SUBSTRATE RECOGNITION BY DIFFERENTIABLE HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

... ²²²The invention described herein provides a structure for growing isolated ²differentiable human mesenchymal cells, which includes a three-dimensional ²matrix of fibers. The matrix serves as an implantable scaffolding for delivery ²of differentiable human mesenchymal cells in tissue engineering. The invention ²further provides compositions that contain the three-dimensional matrix of ²fibers seeded with isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, wherein ²the matrix forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable ²human mesenchymal cells, and wherein the differentiable human mesenchymal ²cells differentiate into a mature cell phenotype. The invention further ²provides methods of preparing the implantable nanofiber matrix scaffolding ²seeded with differentiable human mesenchymal cells for use in tissue ²engineering.² ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A NATURAL IMAGE MODEL BASED APPROACH TO IMAGE/SPLICING/TAMPERING DETECTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods for an effective blind, passive, splicing/tampering detection. The methods of the various embodiments of the invention use a natural image model to detect image splicing/tampering with a model that is based on statistical features extracted from a given test image and multiple 2-D arrays generated by applying the block discrete cosine transform (BDCT) with several different block-sizes to the test images. Experimental results have demonstrated that the new splicing detection scheme outperforms state-of-the-art methods by a significant margin when applied to the Columbia Image Splicing Detection Evaluation Dataset.

Configuration of passive optical networks including cascaded array waveguide gratings

Techniques for partitioning and/or combining at least a portion of an optical network tree including one or more array waveguide gratings (AWGs) and fibers in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) passive optical networks (PON) with cascaded AWGs are disclosed. Example methods include deriving the optimal positions for the AWGs to minimize fiber cost and then determining the arrangement of cascaded AWGs to minimize the total cost of AWGs and fibers. Determining the arrangement of cascaded AWGs may include recursive partitioning followed by recursive combination. An example recursive partition-combination based algorithm for optimizing a tradeoff between the AWG cost and the fiber cost is disclosed.

TCDA/zinc oxide nanocomposites and film sensors

Novel TCDA/ZnO compositions in which the ZnO particles have an average particle size less than 100 nm are disclosed. Reversible thermochromatic sensors employing the TCDA nanocomposites and methods of printing TCDA/ZnO nanocomposite thin films forming the reversible thermochromatic sensors using inkjet printing techniques are also disclosed.

Inverse fluidization for purifying fluid streams

A method for removing a contaminant from a fluid system comprises contacting the fluid system with an inversely fluidized material, for example a particulate aerogel, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the fluid system. The method can be used to remove oil or other organic materials from wastewater streams. It can be conducted in a fluidized bed, which includes nanoporous particles and a fluidizing medium, wherein the nanoporous particles have a density lower than that of the fluidizing medium.

FLUIDIZED BED SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING SECONDARY GAS FLOW

Sub-segment based transport layer protocol for wireless medium

The invention enables the use of TCP protocol for reliable transport of data over a wireless network, resolving the problems associated with frequent packet loss. Additional benefits include delivery of significant performance improvement, bandwidth saving and backward compatibility compared to the wire-line TCP protocol, and contribution to power savings in wireless handsets and devices. To make the retransmission process more granular, transport layer segments are subdivided into sub-segments. The invention utilizes a split TCP based approach and produces a series of smaller-sized segments that share the same transport layer header. A NACK-based message exchange, a new header format and a special windowing protocol are used to achieve reliability, flow-control, and efficient buffer handling.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTILAYER TRANSMISSION AND HYBRID RELAYING WITH MULTIPLE OUT-OF-BAND RELAYS

A method and apparatus for hybrid multi-layer transmission includes receiving a multi-layer signal from a source device, wherein the multi-layer signal includes a plurality of sublayers. A quantity of the plurality of sublayers is decoded and partial information relating to the decoded sublayers is transmitted to a destination device.

Microwave Synthesis of Metal-Carbon Nanotube Composites

The present disclosure provides for improved soluble carbon nanotube (“CNT”) composites at least partially coated with a metal material, and improved methods for the synthesis, generation or formation of substantially soluble carbon nanotube composites via heating conditions (e.g., microwave reactions). For example, the present disclosure provides for methods for the rapid, controllable, environmentally-friendly formation of substantially soluble carbon nanotube composites via in-situ microwave-assisted reactions, wherein the carbon nanotube composites are at least partially coated with nanometal particles (e.g., nanoplatinum particles), and wherein the nanocomposites are substantially soluble in water and/or in organic solvents (e.g., o-dichlorobenzene (ODCB), chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (THF), ethanol, toluene, hexane and DMF).

Smart shunt devices and methods

Devices and methods for the measurement and control of fluid using one or two capacitors are described. The devices use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) and radio-frequency inductive coupling to sense the properties of a fluid in a tube. The single and double capacitor devices may be coupled to shunts implantable in a patient and operable to be interrogated non-invasively. The shunts employing the novel capacitor devices are insensitive to stray signals such as the orientation of a patient's head. The devices are operable to employ a wireless external spectrometer to measure passive subcutaneous components.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOLECULAR-LIKE HIERARCHICAL SELF_ASSEMBLY OF MONOLAYERS OF MIXTURES OF PARTICLES

This invention relates to a technique that uses an externally applied electric field to self-assemble monolayers of mixtures of particles into molecular-like hierarchical arrangements on fluid-liquid interfaces. The arrangements consist of composite particles which are arranged in a pattern. The structure of a composite particle depends on factors such as the relative sizes of the particles and their polarizabilities, and the electric field intensity. If the particles sizes differ by a factor of two or more, the composite particle has a larger particle at its core and several smaller particles form a ring around it. The number of particles in the ring and the spacing between the composite particles depend on their polarizabilities and the electric field intensity. Approximately same sized particles form chains in which positively and negatively polarized particles alternate, and when their polarizabilities are comparable they form tightly packed crystals. 1. A hierarchical self-assembly of a monolayer of mixtures containing two or more types of particles with different dielectric properties which is formed on fluid-liquid interfaces by applying an ac or dc electric field in the direction normal to the interface.2. The self-assembly of wherein the particles of different types join together.3. The self-assembly of wherein the particles form a tightly packed two-dimensional monolayer.4. The self-assembly of wherein the particles of the second type are selected to attached to the particles of the first type so that the particles of the first type can be removed from the interface.5. The self-assembly of wherein the electric field induces dipole-dipole forces between the particles of different types that are attractive.6. The self-assembly of wherein the electric field induces dipole-dipole forces between the particles of different types that are repulsive.7. The self-assembly of wherein the electric field induces capillary forces between the particles of different types ...

JOINT PRECODING AND MULTIVARIATE BACKHAUL COMPRESSION FOR THE DOWNLINK OF CLOUD RADIO ACCESS NETWORKS

Signals transmitted on the backhaul links of a cloud radio access network may be compressed using joint compression encoding. Joint compression encoding may be performed using a successive estimation-compression architecture. Joint compression encoding may include designing preceding matrices that may be used with signal compression. Joint compression encoding may be applied to signals transmitted on the downlink of the cloud radio access network. One or more baseband signals to be delivered over the backhaul links may be jointly compressed using multivariate compression. Multivariate compression may be implemented using successive compression based on a sequence of minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimations and per BS compression.

METHOD FOR PROVIDING A HARDENABLE MIXTURE OF CEMENT AND FLY ASH HAVING A PREDICTED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of such a hardenable mixture and for the preparation of this mixture. The method includes measuring a fineness modulus of the fly ash, determining the compressive strength of the mixture by calculating the sum of a compressive strength of the cement and a compressive strength of the fly ash having the measured fineness modulus, and preparing the mixture with the cement and the fly ash having the determined compressive strength.

Polyoxazolidones derived from bisanhydrohexitols

Disclosed is a method for preparing polyoxazolidones wherein an ether of a bisanhydrohexitol is reacted with a diisocyanate under conditions which form polyoxazolidones. Preferred bisanhydrohexitols include isoidide, isomannide and isosorbide. The polyoxazolidones are highly crosslinked, rigid, and have high solvent resistance.

Methods and apparatus for the non-destructive measurement of diffusion in non-uniform substrates

Non-invasive THz spectroscopic apparatus and methods are provided for measuring the average diffusion coefficients for a structure such as cork. The methods may be used to image the localized presence of water in the structure to produce time-dependent images of liquid propagation in the structure.

Method for identifying marked content, such as by using a class-wise non-principal component approach

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a method of identifying marked content is described. For example, although claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect, in one embodiment, a class-wise non-principal components approach may be employed.

Radio over fiber antenna extender systems and methods for high speed trains

Radio-over-fiber (ROF) antenna extender systems and methods are disclosed for high speed train communications which utilize cellular networks as backhauls to avoid the expensive capital expenditure involved in providing broadband Internet services in high speed trains. Employing ROF technology, on-roof antennas are deployed in strategic configurations to address the drawbacks of utilizing cellar networks as backhauls. The systems and methods provide broadband Internet service to a train and include a plurality of antennas mounted to an exterior of the train and operable to communicate with a cellular network, wireless access points mounted to the train, and a control system operably coupled to the plurality of antennas and to the wireless access points, wherein the control system is operable to receive and process data received from the plurality of antennas and the one wireless access points.

Method and system for decentralized power control of a multi-antenna access point using game theory

METHOD FOR PREDICTING THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE AND MORTAR CONTAINING FLY ASH

The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtu res comprising cement and fly ash for use in constructio n. The invention includes a method for predicting the compressive strength of s uch a hardenable mixture, which is very important for pl anning a project. The invention also relates to hardenable mixtures comprising ceme nt and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive str ength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relev ant for construction. In a specific embodiment, a formul a is provided that accurately predicts compressive strength of concrete containin g fly ash out to 180 days. In other specific examples, c oncrete and mortar containing about 15 % to 25 % fly ash as a replacement for cement , which are capable of meeting design specifications req uired for building and highway construction, are provided. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs.

Wireless Network Assisted GPS System

A method and apparatus for locating a mobile communications device such as a cell phone includes apparatus for communicating with base stations and apparatus for communicating with satellites. Signals received from satellites and the base stations are combined to provide the necessary information to calculate the location of the mobile communications device.

Integrated biofuel cell with aligned nanotube electrodes and method of use thereof

The present disclosure provides for a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized and soluble nanomaterials, most specifically carbon nanotubes on a substrate, which can be used in the production or manufacture of biofuel cells. One embodiment provides for the coupling of biofuel cells with a nanomaterial, wherein the nanomaterial supports catalytic enzymes. Another embodiment provides for a biofuel cell which uses enzymes immobilized on nanomaterials as electrodes. Another embodiment provides for the construction of a biofuel cell, wherein the application of a microwave process, and/or an electrochemical technique, is used to develop a biofuel cell having nanomaterial/enzyme-based electrodes on a substrate. Another embodiment provides for a composite of nanomaterial grown on a substrate, coupled to tethered or bonded enzymes, which makes it possible to fabricate direct electron transfer electrodes. A method for producing a nanomaterial-substrate system is also disclosed ...

FLEXIBLE IMPACT SENSORS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME

Flexible impact sensors are provided which are constructed of flexible polyimide substrate, electrodes and a pressure-sensitive electrically conductive polymer composite layer having conductive nanoparticles. Dual-purpose impact and temperature sensors are also described. Methods of making flexible impact sensors are disclosed.

System and method for robust reversible data hiding and data recovery in the spatial domain

A method including identifying at least two subsets of pixels within a block of an image; forming a plurality of pixel groups from the at least two subsets of pixels, each pixel group having at least one pixel from a first of the at least two subsets and at least one pixel from a second of the at least two subsets; producing a plurality of difference values, each pixel group providing one of said difference values, each difference value being based on differences between pixel values of pixels within one of the pixel groups; and modifying pixel values of pixels in less than all of the at least two subsets, thereby embedding a bit value into the block.

Electrospun Ceramic-Polymer Composite As A Scaffold for Tissue Repair

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.

System and Method for Fluoroalkylated Fluorophthalocyanines With Aggregating Properties and Catalytic Driven Pathway for Oxidizing Thiols

Organo-metallic materials with reduced steric hindrance and the ability to aggregate are disclosed. The metal remains capable of binding additional molecules. As an example, Zn complexes that prove aggregation are provided. Such aggregation may help improve or trigger new surface properties of the materials, alone or in combination with others. In a further implementation of the present disclosure, a robust molecule that resists degradation via nucleophilic, electrophilic and radical attacks is provided. Coordinated Ois reduced catalytically, producing efficiently thyil radicals in spite of the extreme electronic deficiency of the catalyst. 1. A method of oxidizing thiols in a catalytic driven pathway , comprising:providing a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is an iso-perfluoropropyl phthalocyanine catalyst; and [{'br': None, 'sup': −', '−, 'RS+PcCo(II)→[RS—Co(II)Pc]→[RS.—Co(I)Pc],\u2003\u2003(i)'}, {'br': None, 'and'}, {'br': None, 'i': 'e', 'sup': '−', '[RS.—Co(I)Pc]→RS.+PcCo(II)+.\u2003\u2003(ii)'}], 'conducting a redox reaction in the presence of the catalyst, wherein the redox reaction is shown by2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the iso-perfluoropropyl phthalocyanine catalyst is FPcM claim 1 , and wherein Pof FPcM represents a phthalocyanine and M of FPcM represents a metal.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the iso-perfluoropropyl phthalocyanine catalyst provides a higher Psolubility claim 1 , an increased production of X-ray quality crystals of a halogenated P claim 1 , and a depression of Pfrontier orbitals claim 1 , relative to a perfluorophthalocyanine.4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the metal is selected from a group consisting of Zn claim 2 , Co claim 2 , Fe claim 2 , Mg and Cu.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the iso-perfluoropropyl phthalocyanine catalyst provides increased Pstability claim 1 , decreased electrophilic degradation claim 1 , improved nucleophilic susceptibility claim 1 , and improved ...

Management of bandwidth efficiency and fairness in cloud computing

Technologies are generally described to manage bandwidth efficiency and fairness in cloud computing. According to some examples, bottleneck links may be determined in a network connecting communication device pairs. A first bandwidth allocation may be determined of a first subset of the communication device pairs communicating through the bottleneck links. A second bandwidth allocation may be determined of a second subset of the communication device pairs unable to communicate through the bottleneck links. Then, the first bandwidth may be adjusted based on an analysis of the first bandwidth, the second bandwidth, a first weight attribute associated with the first subset and a second weight attribute associated with the second subset.

MAXIMIZING CAPACITY OF WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORKS

Technologies are generally described for substantially maximizing capacity in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) passive optical network (PON). An achievable rate region may be defined as a set containing admissible traffic rates of a given WDM PON system such that a volume of an achievable rate region is proportional to a capacity of the network. Deriving the achievable rate region for a particular network, decisions may be made whether incoming traffic rate can or cannot be achieved for that network. Moreover, the achievable rate region may be used to construct a WDM PON utilizing a minimum number of wavelengths, a minimum number of lasers with narrowest tuning ranges, and a minimum number of receivers, thereby reducing a capital expenditure in building the PON system.

METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE ACCEPTANCE OF PROGRESSIVE ADDITION LENSES

Method for determining the acceptance of progressive addition lenses of a wearer, the method comprising: a fusional vergence parameter providing step during which at least one fusional vergence parameter representing the fusional vergence of the wearer is provided, an acceptance determining step during which the value of the at least one fusional vergence parameter is compared to a predetermined threshold value so as to determine the probability of acceptance of progressive addition lens of the wearer.

Film based position and pressure sensor

Simultaneous pressure and position information is accurately measured in a sensor realized by utilizing first and second sensor elements that each exhibit a decreasing width over the length of the sensor element and that are arranged overlapping each other and in a substantially complementary orientation to one another with respect to the width so that the point of narrowest width of the first sensor element overlaps the point of the widest width of the second sensor element. Pressure applied to the sensor causes each sensor element to generate an electrical signal that is proportional to both the applied pressure and the surface area at the location of the applied pressure. As a result of the complementary orientation and overlapping for these sensor elements, the first and second sensor elements generate an asymmetric pair of signals that uniquely define the applied pressure by position and magnitude.

Thin film applications of perfluoroisopropyl-substituted perfluorophthalocyanines

Perfluoroisopropyl-substituted perfluorophtalocyanines, including zinc (II), copper (II) and oxo-vanadium (IV) complexes of 29H,31H,1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis-fluoro-2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis-perfluoro(isopropyl)phthalocyanine (F64Pc), may be sublimed under high vacuum conditions. The compounds/molecules produce advantageous thin films (20-100 nm) on glass substrates by physical vapor deposition. Many potential applications of the disclosed compounds/molecules are disclosed, e.g., as semiconductor materials. In situ electrical conduction and optical transmission measurements during the deposition process reveal the formation of conducting pathways and potential microscopic intermolecular electronic couplings.

Microwave induced functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes and composites prepared therefrom

The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

System and method for forming of tubular parts

Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby a propellant driven water stream is used in the formation of materials made from high tensile strength alloys. High pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece is employed to achieve desired forms. The high pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion.

Iontophoretic microneedle device

A medical drug devices for transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) comprising a novel iontophoretic polymeric microneedle device and its use in administration of drugs.

Maximieren der Kapazität von wellenlängenunterteilungsmultiplexierenden passiven optischen Netzwerken

Verfahren zum Bestimmen einer Kapazität eines wellenlängenunterteilungsmultiplexierenden (Wavelength Division Multiplexing WDM) passiven optischen Netzwerkes (Passive Optical Network PON) (100), wobei die Knoten des WDM-PON einen oder mehrere von im Gesamtbereich abstimmbaren Lasern, in einem begrenzten Bereich abstimmbaren Lasern und/oder einen spezifischen Abstimmbereich aufweisenden Lasern beinhalten, und das Verfahren umfasst: Abstrahieren (1122) einer graphischen Darstellung (244, 246) des WDM-PON, wobei das Abstrahieren der graphischen Darstellung das Erzeugen eines richtungsanzeigenden geschichteten Graphen umfasst, der richtungsanzeigende geschichtete Graph mindestens eine erste Schicht von Vertices und eine zweite Schicht von Vertices beinhaltet, jeder der Vertices in der ersten Schicht einen von dem einen oder mehreren von im Gesamtbereich abstimmbaren Lasern, in einem begrenzten Bereich abstimmbaren Lasern und/oder einen spezifischen Abstimmbereich aufweisenden Lasern darstellt ...

System and method for single-carrier space-frequency block coded transmission over frequency selective and fast fading channels

System and Method For Facilitating User-Generated Content Relating to Social Networks

A system and method for facilitating user-generated content relating to social networks are provided. The system provides an online environment which poses questions to users, and which allows the users to answer such questions by identifying appropriate contacts of the user. The system automatically identifies the user's contacts by consulting one or more electronic accounts of the user on one or more social networking sites/services, and/or one or more e-mail accounts. The user can respond to questions posed by clicking on appropriate contacts, dragging them, and dropping them in an answer area in the online environment. The user can manage his/her contacts by creating one or more groups and/or tags associated with each contact. The grouped/tagged contacts can be imported into a contact management system, and can be used by researchers to conduct social network visualizations or to achieve other research objectives.

Method and system for stable throughput of cognitive radio

In one embodiment, a cognitive radio system includes a first transmitter in communication with a first receiver via a wireless channel. The first transmitter receives a plurality of first packets, and transmits the first packets to the first receiver via the channel. A second transmitter in communication with a second receiver and the first receiver via the channel receives a plurality of second packets, receives the plurality of first packets from the first transmitter, and transmits the second packets to the second receiver via the channel. The second transmitter is configured to detect an idle state of the channel. Upon detecting the idle state of the channel, the second transmitter is configured selectively to transmit at least one of the second packets to the second receiver or to relay at least one of the first packets to the first receiver.

Multi-criteria optimization for relaying in multi-hop wireless ad hoc and sensor networks

A generalized multi-parameter mapping function aggregates decision criteria into a single virtual criterion to rank the potential relay candidates. Optimal rules for next hop relay as applicable to both transmitter-side selection and receiver-side election based forwarding schemes are also provided. Examples of network performance based on two optimization criteria include one-hop progress (greediness) and packet success rate (link quality). A suitable mapping function trades off the greediness for link quality. Simulation information is provided that indicates that the implementation according to the mapping function outperforms the reported transmitter-side link-aware forwarding schemes.

SULFATE AND ACID RESISTANT CONCRETE AND MORTAR

The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtu res comprising cement and fly ash for use in constructio n and other applications, which hardenable mixtures demonstrate significant le vels of acid and sulfate resistance while maintaining ac ceptable compressive strength properties. The acid and sulfate hardenable mixtures of the invention containing fly ash comprise cementitious materials and a fine aggregate. The cementitious materials may comprise fly ash as wel l as cement. The fine aggregate may comprise fly ash as well as sand. The total amount of fly ash in the hardenable mixture ranges from a bout 60 % to about 120 % of the total amount of cement, by weight, whether the fly ash is included as a cementitious material, fine agg regate, or an additive, or any combination of the forego ing. In specific examples, mortar containing 50 % fly ash and 50 % cement in cementi tious materials demonstrated superior properties of corr osion resistance.

NEW POLYESTERS FROM ASYMMETRICAL MONOMERS BASED UPON BISANHYDROHEXITOLS

Asymmetrically substituted compounds of bisanhydrohexitols are described, including the bisanhydrohexitol isosorbide. The compounds are useful as AB monomers. The synthesis of polymers from the monomers is also described.

System and method for robust lossless data hiding and recovering from the integer wavelet representation

A method is provided which comprises providing a block of IWT (integer wavelet transform) coefficients for preferably one high frequency sub-band of an image; determining a mean value of said coefficients within said block; and establishing an encoded mean value to embed one of a logical-0 bit value and a logical-1 bit into said first block.

Independently center fed dipole array

A dipole array is provided for use as an Ultra Short Pulse (USP) transmitter or receiver in UWB communications systems, which reduces the output pulse dispersion. Instead of having all the dipole elements serially fed by a transmission line, the feeding in the array is made independently through a central point and the radiation is emitted and received broadsided with respect to the array plane. This configuration minimizes the relative time delay between radiating resonance frequencies.

Method and system for decentralized power control of a multi-antenna access point using game theory

Power control for uplink channels with non-cooperative and rational mobile stations (MS) provided using game theory. As a game leader, a multi-antenna access point (AP) determines the network parameters (bandwidth and the number of receiving antennas) for the power control game played between the mobile stations (MSs) (follower), so as to maximize the network utility per system resource (bandwidth and antennas).

Method and system for stable throughput of cognitive radio with relaying capabilities

Frame synchronization using correlation between permuted sequences

RAIL TRANSIT COMMUNICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM

A method and a system for rail transit communication. The method includes: selecting a second target FSO transceiver from the FSO transceivers that are currently located within a signal coverage of a target FSO base station, in response to detecting that a first target free-space-optics (FSO) transceiver moves out of the signal coverage of the target FSO base station when data communication between the target FSO base station and the target user terminal is performed via the first target FSO transceiver, where the target FSO base station is one of the FSO base stations located on the rail; and maintaining the data communication between the target FSO base station and the target user terminal, by using the second target FSO transceiver. Handover among the base stations is reduced for user equipment, data communication rate is increased, and communication experience of passengers can be improved.

Allocating bandwidth in a resilient packet ring network by PI controller

Implementations and techniques for allocating bandwidth in a resilient packet ring network by a PI-type controller are generally disclosed.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

Ultrasound systems and methods for detecting features of biological tissue, including fracture detection in bone tumor detection are described. Systems and methods may employ low transient pulse technology. Methods employ detection and analysis of behavioral patterns of different signal parameters such as flight time, maximum amplitude, phase angle, and correlation as indicators of the depth of a fracture and may be used in quantitative ultrasound bone fracture detection. Flight time and frequency components may be employed in tumor detection methods.

Systems and methods for aerial seeding

Reforestation capsules composed of biodegradable materials are operable to be used in aerial reforestation operations. Capsules may contain one or more seedlings, compacted fertilizer, soil, and/or nutrients. Capsules include a flight platform component and cone tip component. The capsule structure survives impact and may serve as additional nutrient for the seedling(s). A housing unit sized and configured to contain and dispense capsules can be mounted or otherwise housed in an aircraft to deliver capsules.

Mixing and packing of particles

A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.

Piezoelectric multiple degree of freedom actuator

A piezoelectric actuator that is capable of providing up to six degrees of positioning freedom. Specifically, the piezoelectric actuator is capable of providing positioning freedom in three linear directions (x, y, z) and three rotary angles (phi, theta, psi). The piezoelectric actuator typically comprises a plurality of unit cells stacked on top of one another. Each unit cell comprises a base plate, a cruciform base, and a stack of piezoelectric plates. The base plate is used to support the cruciform base. The cruciform base comprises a piezoelectric cruciform-shaped body, a plurality of electrodes formed on the top surface of the cruciform-shaped body, and a ground plane formed on the bottom surface of the cruciform-shaped body. Each piezoelectric plate in the stack of piezoelectric plates comprises a piezoelectric plate body, a plurality of electrodes formed on the top surface of the plate body, and a ground plane formed on the bottom surface of the plate body. The piezoelectric plates ...

Dielectric spectroscopy assays for screening of ion channel ligands

A method for measuring membrane potential using dielectric spectroscopy is described. A new theoretical model allows for the determination of membrane potential from low-frequency impedance measurements to provide a non-evasive method which is both rapid and inexpensive.

Method of assembly using array of programmable magnets

Systems and methods for assembling a structure onto a substrate include an array of programmable magnets disposed beneath a substrate, wherein a magnetic field is applied to the structure to levitate the structure above the substrate while the structure is moved relative to the substrate to align the structure with a corresponding recess formed in the substrate. A magnetic field may be applied to translate and rotate the structure relative to the substrate. Differences between or among the programmable magnets regarding magnetic polarity, energized versus de-energized status, and magnetic field strength may be used to move the structure relative to the substrate in conjunction with a closed-loop control system. A bonded substrate assembly and a method of bonding a first wafer to a second wafer include wherein the first wafer includes a projection and the second wafer includes a matching depression. The first and second wafers are bonded together at least in part via magnetic attraction between respective magnetic layers in the projection and the depression.

Replicating and switching multicast internet packets in routers using crosspoint memory shared by output ports

Multicast traffic is expected to increase in packet networks, and therefore in switches and routers, by including broadcast and multimedia-on-demand services. Combined input-crosspoint buffered (CICB) switches can provide high performance under uniform multicast traffic. However this is often at the expense of N2 crosspoint buffers. An output-based shared-memory crosspoint-buffered (O-SMCB) packet switch is used where the crosspoint buffers are shared by two outputs and use no speedup. An embodiment of the proposed switch provides high performance under admissible uniform and non-uniform multicast traffic models while using 50% of the memory used in CICB switches that has dedicated buffers. Furthermore, the O-SMCB switch provides higher throughput than an existing SMCB switch where the buffers are shared by inputs.

MEMS fiber optic microphone

The theory, design, fabrication, and characterization of MEMS (micro electrical mechanical system) Fabry-Perot diaphragm-fiber optic microphone are described in the present invention. By using MEMS technology in processing and packaging, a square 1.9 mmx1.9 mm, 2 mu thick SiO2 diaphragm with a 350 mu square embossed center of silicon is mechanically clamped to the ferrule of a single mode fiber to keep its closeness (5 mu) and perpendicular orientation with respect to the diaphragm. Static measurement of optical output power versus the pressure on membrane reveals more than one period of Fabry-Perot interference, thereby generating a Fabry-Perot diaphragm-fiber interferometer device accurately reproducing audible acoustic wave.

Carbon nanotube immobilized super-absorbing membranes

Carbon nanotube (CNT) immobilized membranes for harvesting pure water from air include CNTs incorporated into a layer of super-absorbing polymer. The super-absorbing polymer may be cast over a porous substrate. The super-absorbing polymer binds strongly to water and generates water clusters while the CNTs are operable to interrupt the specific water-polymer and water-water interactions to generate more free water which permeates more easily through the membrane. Methods of forming the CNT immobilized membranes are provided. The CNT immobilized membranes disclosed herein exhibit improved water vapor extraction efficiency, water vapor removal and mass transfer coefficient.

Mobile speed and doppler frequency estimation using cyclostationarity

Embodiments of the invention exploit cyclostationarity of linearly modulated signals, transmitted through fading channels, to provide robust blind and data-aided mobile speed estimators. Embodiments of the invention utilize at least two methods of cyclic-correlation- and cyclic-spectrum-based methods and extension to space-time speed estimation at the base station in macrocells. In comparison with background art methods, the new estimators of the embodiments of the invention can be used without any need for pilot tones, and are robust to additive stationary noise or interference of any color or distribution. In addition, embodiments of the invention can also be implemented blindly, which can increase the data throughput. Performance results of the estimators of the embodiments of the invention are illustrated via extensive Monte Carlo simulation results.

System and Method for Directed Self-Assembly Technique for the Creation of Carbon Nanotube Sensors and Bio-Fuel Cells on Single Plane

Improved nanotube devices and systems/methods for fabrication thereof are provided. The present disclosure provides systems/methods for depositing controlled numbers of nanotubes with specific properties at predefined locations for the fabrication of nanotube devices. The nanotube devices may be utilized in a range of applications. A bio-fuel cell system that does not require a proton exchange membrane separator and does not need a mediator to transfer charge is provided. This exemplary bio-fuel cell uses enzyme functionalized SWNTs for the anode/cathode. The absence of a membrane in the bio-fuel cell configuration opens up the possibility of other configurations that would otherwise be unfeasible. This includes a bio-fuel cell where the anode/cathode are on the same substrate. Since the electrodes can share the same substrate, the configuration may be integrated with a circuit device on the same substrate. An IC and its power source may be fabricated on the same silicon wafer.

Methods and apparatus for multi-level dynamic security system

Methods and apparatus for converting original data into a plurality of sub-bands using wavelet decomposition; encrypting at least one of the sub-bands using a key to produce encrypted sub-band data; and transmitting the encrypted sub-band data to a recipient separately from the other sub-bands.

Iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery system based on conductive polyaniline membrane

An iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery system that utilizes a porous conductive polyaniline membrane as one of two electrodes, with both electrodes in contact with an aqueous solution of the ingredient in ionic and nonionic form, and the membrane additionally in contact with the skin surface of the mammal. Upon providing the appropriate direct current flow by voltage generating means through the electrodes and solution, the ingredient is caused to pass through the porous membrane and be released in ionic form through the skin surface of the mammal.

Intersection ontologies for organizing data

An intersection ontology may comprise a root node, representing an entire data set, and a second "layer" of nodes, groups of which may be used to represent different types of classifications of the data set. The intersection ontology may then contain one or more layers of nodes that may be represented by intersections of two or more of the second-layer nodes, as may be needed according to a desired application (that is, the intersections may be formed, essentially, on demand). There may be a single layer of intersection nodes, or there may be multiple layers of intersection nodes. In a multiple layer embodiment, each intersection node may be represented as an intersection of second-layer nodes and/or intersection nodes.

Disjoint partial-area based taxonomy abstraction network

A disjoint partial-area taxonomy abstraction network and methods of producing same for a hierarchy, which partitions overlapping concepts into singly-rooted disjoint groups that are more manageable to work with and comprehend. This provides abstract models for summarizing overlapping concepts which permit enhanced, high-level display for users at a user interface.

Fluidized bed systems and methods including micro-jet flow

Methods and systems for enhancing fluidization of nanoparticle and/or nanoagglomerates are provided. A fluidization chamber is provided with a fluidizing medium directed in a first fluidizing direction, e.g., upward into and through a bed containing a volume of nanoparticles and/or nanopowders. A second source of air/gas flow is provided with respect to the fluidization chamber, the secondary air/gas flow generally being oppositely directed relative to the fluidizing medium. Turbulence created by the secondary gas flow is advantageously effective to aerate the agglomerates and the shear generated by the jet is advantageously effective to break apart nanoagglomerates and/or reduce the tendency for nanoagglomerates to form or reform. A downwardly directed source of secondary gas flow located near the main gas distributor leads to full fluidization of the entire amount of powder in the column. The oppositely directed fluid flow facilitates powder circulation within the fluidization chamber ...

Socially- And Context-Aware People-Matching Systems and Methods Relating Thereto

Systems and methods for recommending matches of individuals is provided. A matching server is in communication with a plurality of computer systems operated by a plurality of users of the matching server, via a network (e.g., the Internet). Attribute information is received about a plurality of individuals, as well as a search query for an individual matching at least one desired characteristic specified by a user of the matching server. An affinity score is calculated based upon the attribute information and the search query, and local user context information and social relevance information corresponding to the plurality of individuals is received. An overall match score is calculated by adjusting the affinity score based upon the local user context information and the social relevance information. If the overall match score exceeds a pre-determined threshold, an alert is transmitted to the user of the matching server which identifies potential matches in the plurality of individuals ...

Determination of download throughput of wireless connection with compound probes

Technologies are generally described to determine a download throughput of a wireless connection in an environment hosting multiple wired and wireless connections. According to some examples, a compound probe may be transmitted from a source to a wireless destination. Another compound probe may also be transmitted from the source to the wireless destination. The compound probes may include multiple packets without any dispersion gap. Next, an average intra-packet gap (AIPG) and a minimum intra-packet gap (MIPG) may be determined from the first compound probe. Furthermore, another MIPG may be determined from the later compound probe. The download throughput from the source to the wireless destination may be computed from the AIPG and the MIPGs.

Frame synchronization using correlation between permuted sequences

A permuted sequences combination uses a frame structure in which two sync words, each comprising M complex symbols, are appended at the frame start. One benefit is the reduction of the large variance of the timing estimation error in the conventional correlation method. In at least one embodiment, the first sync word, {right arrow over (s)}1, is a predetermined constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence. The second sync word, {right arrow over (s)}2, is a permutation of the first such that the combination of the two received sync signal vectors perform sliding window processing where the peak occurs at the correct frame start. The permuted sequences combination can be used in both AWGN channel and multi-path environments.

Detecting double JPEG compression in images

Techniques are generally described for detecting double JPEG compression in images. Example detection techniques of double JPEG compression may include receiving JPEG images for analysis and extracting 2-dimensional (2-D) arrays of JPEG coefficients from the images. 2-D difference arrays may be generated from the array of JPEG coefficients, with the entries in the difference array reflecting relative changes in values of pairs of entries in the array of JPEG coefficients. The detection techniques also model the difference arrays using random processes, and evaluate whether the random processes reveal statistical artifacts in the JPEG images. These statistical artifacts result from double JPEG impression performed on the JPEG images.

Replicating tag entries for reliability enhancement in cache tag arrays

Technologies are generally described for exploiting program phase behavior to duplicate most recently and/or frequently accessed tag entries in a Tag Replication Buffer (TRB) to protect the information integrity of tag arrays in a processor cache. The reliability/effectiveness of microprocessor cache performance may be further improved by capturing/duplicating tags of dirty cache lines, exploiting the fact that detected error-corrupted clean cache lines can be recovered by L2 cache. A deterministic TRB replacement triggered early write-back scheme may provide full duplication and recovery of single-bit errors for tags of dirty cache lines.

System and Method of Use for Composite Floor

A system and method of constructing a composite floor system having increased shear transfer between a slab and support members of the system is described. The composite floor system may include any combination of the following elements: a support member, a reinforcing member, a transfer member, a decking material, a fastener, and/or a slab. The transfer member may be connected to the support member.

Image retrieval and authentication using enhanced expectation maximization (EEM)

Technologies are generally presented for employing enhanced expectation maximization (EEM) in image retrieval and authentication. Using uniform distribution as initial condition, the EEM may converge iteratively to a global optimality. If a realization of the uniform distribution is used as the initial condition, the process may also be repeatable. In some examples, a positive perturbation scheme may be used to avoid boundary overflow, often occurring with the conventional EM algorithms. To reduce computation time and resource consumption, a histogram of one dimensional Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) with two components and wavelet decomposition of an image may be employed.

VERFAHREN UND SYSTEM ZUR KOMMUNIKATION IM SCHIENENVERKEHR

Verfahren und System zur Kommunikation im Schienenverkehr, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: wenn eine Zielbasisstation für optischen Richtfunk (FSO-Basisstation) mittels eines ersten FSO-Zielsendeempfänger Datenkommunikation mit einem Ziel-Nutzerendgerät durchführt, wenn erkannt wird, dass ich der erste FSO-Zielsendeempfänger aus der Signalabdeckung der FSO-Zielbasisstation hinausbewegt, Rastern von einem FSO-Sendeempfänger von allen FSO-Sendeempfängern, die sich immernoch derzeit innerhalb der Signalabdeckung der FSO-Zielbasisstation befinden, um als zweiter FSO-Zielsendeempfänger zu dienen, wobei es sich bei der FSO-Zielbasisstation um eine beliebige FSO-Basisstation handelt, die sich an einer Schiene befindet, und Verwenden der zweiten FSO-Zielbasisstation und des Ziel-Nutzerendgeräts. Bei der vorliegenden Anmeldung kann das Umschalten der Frequenz von Nutzerausrüstung durch eine Basisstation verringert werden, und die Datenkommunikationsrate erhöht sich, was das Kommunikationserleben eines ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE MEASUREMENT OF DIFFUSION IN NON-UNIFORM SUBSTRATES

Non-invasive THz spectroscopic apparatus and methods are provided for measuring the average diffusion coefficients for a structure such as cork. The methods may be used to image the localized presence of water in the structure to produce time-dependent images of liquid propagation in the structure. 1. A method of nondestructively measuring the diffusion of liquid in a material using THz time-domain imaging of at least a portion of the interior of the material comprising:introducing THz radiation to a material;receiving the THz radiation transmitted through the material;collecting spectral data of the received THz radiation comprising acquiring the image one pixel at a time and recording the spectrum of THz radiation at each pixel;generating a THz image of at least a portion of the interior of the material;recording the image of the material;subsequently, injecting liquid into the material; andrecording a THz image of the liquid-injected material at selected intervals.2. The method according to wherein the material prior to liquid injection is substantially dry.3. The method according to comprising translating the material out of a path of the THz radiation and recording a background time-domain scan to obtain a reference prior to the acquisition of each THz image.4. The method according to claim 3 , comprising calculating the THz frequency dependent absorbance for each pixel in the image as{'br': None, 'i': A', 'T', 'E', 'E, 'sub': s', 'r, '(ω)=−ln((ω))=−ln(|(ω)|/|(ω)|)'}{'sub': r', 's, 'where |E(ω)| and |E(ω)| are the magnitudes of THz electric fields as calculated by the Fourier transform of the time-domain data of the reference and material, and T(ω) is the transmission through the material.'}5. The method according to comprising averaging the absorbance over a specified bandwidth range to obtain a single value at each pixel position and construct an image.6. The method according to wherein the specified bandwidth for image processing is 0.65-0.70 THz.7. The ...

Desalination devices and systems using porous hydrophobic hollow fibers and hydrophobic porous coatings

DCMD and VMD systems and methods for use in desalination applications are provided. The DCMD and VMD systems employ coated porous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The coatings advantageously function to essentially eliminate pore wetting of the membrane, while permitting substantially unimpeded water vapor permeance through the fiber walls. The DCMD and VMD membranes are characterized by larger fiber bore diameters and wall thicknesses. The membranes substantially reduce the loss of brine sensible heat, e.g., heat loss via conductive heat flux through the membrane wall and the vapor space and, in exemplary embodiments, the brine-side heat transfer coefficient is dramatically enhanced by horizontal/vertical cross flow of brine over the outside surface of the coated fibers. Superior water vapor fluxes are achieved with the systems and methods.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Perfluorophthalocyanine Molecules

Advantageous microwave-assisted methods for synthesis of fluorinated phthalocyanines are provided. The microwave-assisted methods offer enhanced yields, substantially eliminate reaction solvents, and facilitate purification relative to conventional synthesis techniques. Typical implementation involve a reaction mixture that includes perfluoro-phthalonitrile that is reacted in a vessel with application of microwave energy for a reaction period sufficient to yield a fluorinated phthalocyanine. The fluorinated phthalocyanines synthesized according to the disclosed microwave-assisted methods have wide ranging applications, e.g., corrosion-related applications, coating-related applications, catalysis, and the production of optical and electronic materials.

Method and apparatus for isolation and purification of biomolecules

An apparatus and method for recovering bioproducts from a feed solution. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a module housing, a membrane means disposed in the housing for filtering the bioproducts from the feed solution wherein a portion of the membrane means is coated with a polymeric coating, and an adsorbent bed disposed in the housing for retaining the bioproducts which permeate through the membrane, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow fractionation and purification of the retained bioproducts from the bed by elution.

Microfabricated microconcentrator for sensors and gas chromatography

Devices for enhancing the sensitivity of a microsensor or any other micro device by providing on-line preconcentration. Microconcentrators that can be integrated with a sensor or a micromachined GC to enhance the signal to noise ratio can include a miniaturized sorbent trap fabricated on a microchip. The microconcentrator can be made on a silicon substrate so that a sensor can be integrated on the same chip. The microconcentrator is composed of at least one microchannel lined with a microheater for in-situ heating. Preconcentration may be achieved on a thin-film polymeric layer deposited above the heater in the microchannel. Rapid heating by the channel heater generates a "desorption pulse" to be injected into a detector or a sensor.

METHODS OF RAPID PHASE MODULATION OF THZ RADIATION FOR HIGH SPEED THZ IMAGING, SPECTROSCOPY, AND COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES AND SYSTEMS

Rapid, voltage controlled phase modulation of continuous wave THz radiation is demonstrated. By transmitting an infrared laser beam through a phase modulator, the phase of the THz radiation which is generated by the photomixing of two infrared beams can be directly modulated through a 2π phase shift. The 100 kHz modulation rate that is demonstrated is approximately three orders of magnitude faster than what can be achieved by mechanical scanning.

Microwave Induced Functionalization of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Composites Prepared Therefrom

The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

Methods and apparatus for reversible data hiding through histogram modification

Methods and apparatus are provided for encoding a pixel domain image with hidden data by modifying the histogram of the pixel domain image to make space for such hidden data.

Detection of double video compression using first digit based statistics

Implementations of the detection of double MPEG compression using digit based statistics are disclosed.

Growth matrices for stem cell propagation in vitro and in tissue regeneration

The present invention provides a multifunctional 2-D and 3-D matrix for propagation of stem cells. In particular, a chitosan-based biomaterial scaffold is engineered to promote CNS regeneration from primitive neural precursors by stabilizing a recombinant protein, fibroblast growth factor to preserve the cardinal properties of stem cells. The matrix, is further modified by the addition of either the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin or the small peptide RGD or IKVAV. A method to manufacture an injectable multifunctional microsphere scaffold is also disclosed that is suitable as a vehicle for cell transplantation to repair traumatic brain injuries.

p-Doping of CdTe polycrystalline thin film based on Cd vacancy theory

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to improve p-type doping (p-doping) of cadmium telluride (CdTe) for CdTe-based solar cells, such as cadmium Sulfide (Cds)/CdTe solar cells. Embodiments can achieve improved p-doping of CdTe by creating a high density of cadmium (Cd) vacancies (VCd) and subsequently substituting a high density of substitutional defects and/or defect complexes for the Cd vacancies that were created. Formation of a high density of substitutional defects and defect complexes as a p-dopant can improve light-to-electricity conversion efficiency, doping levels or hole concentrations, junction band bending, and/or ohmic contact associated with p-type CdTe (p-CdTe) based solar cells.

Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving a signal in a communication system

An apparatus for transmitting a signal in a communication system includes: MT number of transmission antennas; a space-time encoder for generating MT number of transmission symbol streams by space-time encoding MT number of modulation symbol streams in accordance with a space-time encoding scheme determined by a predetermined control, and transmitting each of the MT transmission symbol streams through a corresponding transmission antenna from among the MT transmission antennas; and a controller for determining the space-time encoding scheme based on an iteration number of transmission, which indicates the number of times by which an information data bit stream corresponding to the MT modulation symbol streams has been transmitted.

System and method for single-carrier space-frequency block coded transmission over frequency selective and fast fading channels

A single carrier transmission scheme which utilizes space-frequency block coding and frequency domain equalization (SF-SCFDE) is proposed for frequency selective and fast fading channel. It is shown that employing this technique in slow fading environment depicts the same performance as that obtained with space-time coding scheme. However, in the more difficult fast fading channels, the proposed scheme exhibits much better performance.

Wireless network assisted GPS system

A method and apparatus for locating a mobile communications device such as a cell phone includes apparatus for communicating with base stations and apparatus for communicating with satellites. Signals received from satellites and the base stations are combined to provide the necessary information to calculate the location of the mobile communications device.

Pulse introduction membrane extraction apparatus and method for separating and analyzing at least one component in a fluid contaminated with the at least one component

An apparatus and method for separating and analyzing a component of a fluid sample that is considered to be a contaminant, and particularly, that is or may be an organic material. The invention is predicated on the introduction of the sample fluid in a pulsed manner via a first carrier fluid into a feed chamber. A membrane is located between the feed chamber and an exit chamber, and in fluid registry therewith. When the sample enters the feed chamber, the component to be separated and analyzed can permeate the membrane, and thus passes through the membrane to the exit chamber, and then enters a second carrier fluid which carries it to a detector for analysis. The detector may be a gas chromatograph (GC), mass spectrometer (MS) or the like.

Fractal structured nanoagglomerates as filter media

Systems and methods for achieving filtration are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles may be used as and/or incorporated into a HEPA filtration system to remove solid or liquid submicron-sized particles, e.g., MPPS, in an efficient and efficacious manner. The filtration systems and methods are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules in a size range of about 100-500 microns. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles exhibit a hierarchical fractal structure. In the case of agglomerates of nanoparticles, porosities of 0.9 or greater are generally employed, and for granules of nanoparticles, porosities that are smaller than 0.9 may be employed. Filter media formed from the agglomerates or granules may be formed from materials such as carbon black and fumed silica, and may be employed in baffled or non-baffled filtration apparatus.

Bandbreitenzuweisung in einem Resilient Packet Ring-Netzwerk durch einen PI-Regler

Es wird ein Verfahren für die Bandbreitenzuweisung in einem Resilient Packet Ring-Netzwerk angegeben. Eine faire Rate wird bestimmt, um eine zugewiesene Bandbreite in dem Resilient Packet Ring-Netzwerk über einen Proportionalintegral-Controller, der mit wenigstens einem Knoten des Resilient Packet Ring-Netzwerks assoziiert ist, bereitzustellen und gleichzeitig eine oder mehrere Transitwarteschlangenlängen bei einer Zielwarteschlangenlänge in unausgeglichenen Verkehrsszenarien wenigstens teilweise auf der Basis der zugewiesenen Bandbreite zu stabilisieren.

Delivery and sensing of metered amounts of liquid materials

A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

p-Doping of CdTe Polycrystalline Thin Film Based on Cd Vacancy Theory

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to improve p-type doping (p-doping) of cadmium telluride (CdTe) for CdTe-based solar cells, such as cadmium Sulfide (Cds)/CdTe solar cells. Embodiments can achieve improved p-doping of CdTe by creating a high density of cadmium (Cd) vacancies (V) and subsequently substituting a high density of substitutional defects and/or defect complexes for the Cd vacancies that were created. Formation of a high density of substitutional defects and defect complexes as a p-dopant can improve light-to-electricity conversion efficiency, doping levels or hole concentrations, junction band bending, and/or ohmic contact associated with p-type CdTe (p-CdTe) based solar cells. 1. A method of doping a polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material for a solar cell comprising:introducing a reactive oxidizer to the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material during thin film growth to create vacancies in the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material; andexposing the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material to a vacancy substitution agent after thin film growth to substitute defect complexes for the vacancies in the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material, the vacancy substituting agent being a chemical compound including an element present in the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material and a halogen.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic material is cadmium telluride (CdTe).3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the vacancy substituting agent is at least one of cadmium Chloride (CdCl) claim 2 , cadmium Fluoride (CdF) claim 2 , cadmium bromide (CdBr) claim 2 , and cadmium iodide (CdI).4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive oxidizer and the vacancy substituting agent include a common element of at least one of fluorine (F) claim 1 , and chlorine (Cl).5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive oxidizer is a gas and introducing a reactive oxidizer ...

Accommodating fragmentation with deterministic packet marking

The deterministic packet marking (DPM) method is based on marking packets with the partial address information of ingress interface only. The attack victim is able to recover the complete address(es) information after receiving several packets from a particular attacking host or hosts. The full path is not really essential for the traceback since it can be different for different packets for different reasons. In order to deal with fragmentation, it is required that the ID field (as well as some other fields) of all the fragments in a given series is the same. DPM randomly selects the marks from the pool, which is created at startup. The mark completely occupies the ID field in the IP packet header, as well as Reserved Flag. Since every single packet passing through the DPM-enabled interface is marked, the ID field of all the fragments of a series are ensured to be the same. By allowing DPM to suspend randomness in selecting the marks for the fragments of a series, all fragments are ensured ...

Polymer coating/encapsulation of nanoparticles using a supercritical antisolvent process

A process, method and/or system for preparing polymer-coated nanoparticles and/or other ultrafine particles utilizing a supercritical fluid, e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2), as an antisolvent that may be added to a solution of a polymer and an organic solvent in which insoluble nanoparticles or the like are suspended. The coating process occurs when the supercritical fluid (e.g., SC CO2) and the nanoparticle-containing suspension are combined to cause the suspended nanoparticles to precipitate as coated nanoparticles. Processing parameters for optimizing and/or enhancing the efficacy and/or efficiency of the coating process, method and/or system and for controlling the coating and/or agglomeration of coated particles are also described. The process, method and/or system has wide ranging applicability, e.g., for coating and/or encapsulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, chemicals, agrochemicals, pesticides, polymers, coatings, catalysts and the like.

Method and apparatus for rapid freezing prototyping

A method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional patterns by depositing a crystalloid material onto substrate in a layer by layer fashion. The apparatus includes a computer responsive for controlling the material depositing rate and the three-dimensional relative movement between the depositing head and the substrate. The controlling information comes from the sliced CAD model of the part. For each cross-section, the depositing head plots the boundary and the interior while the building material comes out of the head. The crystalloid material deposited on the substrate or previous layer of the part rapidly freezes forming a new layer of the part. The material can be deposited by a continuous extruding device or a drop-on-demand device. Where necessary, support structure is built in the same way but with material of a different melting point. The ambient temperature is accurately controlled to a certain low point in order to make the deposited material flow to a certain extent and freeze ...

Method and/or system for space-time encoding and/or decoding

Time-space encoding and/or decoding may employ time variant linear transformations. Turbo coding and/or decoding may be used in conjunction with the use of time variant linear transformations. Such time variant linear transformations may be unitary in nature.

Substrate Recognition By Differentiable Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The invention described herein provides a structure for growing isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, which includes a three-dimensional matrix of fibers. The matrix serves as an implantable scaffolding for delivery of differentiable human mesenchymal cells in tissue engineering. The invention further provides compositions that contain the three-dimensional matrix of fibers seeded with isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, wherein the matrix forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, and wherein the differentiable human mesenchymal cells differentiate into a mature cell phenotype. The invention further provides methods of preparing the implantable nanofiber matrix scaffolding seeded with differentiable human mesenchymal cells for use in tissue engineering.

Method and apparatus for steganalysis of texture images

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods for steganalysis that improve the detection of steganography in texture images. The methods combine features extracted from the image spatial representation and from a block discrete cosine transform (BDCT) representation with multiple different block sizes (i.e., N×N) to improve detection of data hidden in texture images. Image data that is to undergo steganalysis can be provided to embodiments of the invention in at least one of spatial (pixel) and JPEG format. When JPEG format is provided, the image is first decompressed to spatial representation, from which the features are extracted when the block size is at least one 2×2, 4×4, and 16×16. When the block size is 8×8, the JPEG coefficients (JPEG quantized 8×8 BDCT coefficients) derived directly from the JPEG image are used to extract features. In addition, the method is also effective as a universal steganalyzer for both texture and smooth/non-texture images. Embodiments of the ...

NEW POLYESTER ETHERS DERIVED FROM ASYMMETRICAL MONOMERS BASED UPON BISANHYDROHEXITOLS

Asymmetrically substituted compounds of bisanhydrohexitols are described, including the bisanhydrohexitol isosorbide. The compounds are useful as monomers. The synthesis of polymers from the monomers is also described.

Apparatus and method for collaborative hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in broadband wireless communication using relay station

A collaborative Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) in a broadband wireless communication system using a relay station is provided. A transmitting end includes a distance estimator for estimating a distance to a relay station; a controller for determining whether to execute a collaborative HARQ using the estimated distance to the relay station; and a transmitter for, when the execution of the collaborative HARQ is determined and a retransmission request is received from a receiving end, sending a retransmission packet according to a multiple antenna signal processing scheme by constituting a virtual multiple antenna group with the relay station.

Method and/or system for reduction of PAPR

Methods and/or systems for reducing peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) may utilize rotation among transmit channels and/or inversion of polyphase sequences of sub-blocks of an orthogonal frequency-division multiplex (OFDM) sequence in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) scheme.

Pervaporation Membranes Highly Selective For Volatile Solvents Present In Fermentation Broths

Liquid membrane systems are provided for use in pervaporation techniques that achieves high selectivity, ensure stability and prevent contamination of the fermentation broth. Tri-n-octylamine (TOA), tri-laurlyamine or tri-decylamine as a liquid membrane is immobilized in the pores of a hydrophobic hollow fiber substrate having a nanoporous hydrophobic coating on the broth side. The liquid membrane in the coated hollow fibers demonstrate high selectivity and reasonable mass fluxes of solvents in pervaporation. The mass fluxes were substantially increased with the same selectivity of solvents when an ultrathin liquid membrane was used. The addition of butanol into the feed solution increases membrane selectivity.

DIFFERENTIAL FRAME BASED SCHEDULING FOR INPUT QUEUED SWITCHES

A differential frame-based scheduling scheme is employed for input queued (IQ) switches with virtual output queues (VOQ). Differential scheduling adjusts previous scheduling based on a traffic difference in two consecutive frames. To guarantee quality of service (QoS) with low complexity, the adjustment first reserves some slots for each port pair in each frame, then releases surplus allocations and supplements deficit allocations according to a dichotomy order, designed for high throughput, low jitter, fairness, and low computational complexity. 1. A method for scheduling input queued switches in a network environment , the method comprising:dedicating a predefined portion of available time slots to each switch port pair, wherein a switch port pair is not subject to scheduling constraints within its dedicated time slot;removing allocations of dedicated time slots according to a predefined order;supplementing allocations of dedicated time slots according to the predefined order; andenabling switch port pairs to borrow dedicated time slots of other switch port pairs.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising grouping the switch port pairs such that switch port pairs in a same group do not have same input or output.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising assigning dedicated time slots group by group claim 1 , wherein switch port pairs with similar traffic demand are grouped into the same group claim 1 , and then assigning the dedicated time slots based on traffic demands for the switch port pairs within each group.4. The method according to claim 1 , using the dedicated time slots for scheduling in each frame such that a time involved in searching for suitable time slots is reduced.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the time slots are dedicated based on long-term statistical traffic arrival rate information.6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising grouping the switch port pairs such that a total variance of traffic ...

Novel dissolution testing system and apparatus with off-center impeller

In the pharmaceutical industry, dissolution testing is a critical step in quality control and a standard method for assessing batch-to-batch consistency of solid oral drug delivery systems, such as tablets. One of the most widely used dissolution test devices is the UPS Apparatus 2 (paddle). At present, dissolution testing remains susceptible to significant error and test failures. Previous studies indicate that poor reproducibility of dissolution testing data and inconsistency of dissolution results can arise from the complex hydrodynamics present in the unbaffled, hemispherical-bottom, agitated vessel that constitute the UPS Apparatus 2 . In the present invention, a novel dissolution testing apparatus was constructed in which the impeller was placed off-center with respect to the center point of the vessel bottom. It has been shown that the dissolution profiles in the present invention were not significantly affected by tablet location as confirmed by the value of the factors f 1 and f 2 , which were well within the accepted ranges and did not change appreciably with the tablet location. By contrast, the corresponding dissolution tests for current systems failed these similarity tests. In addition, the flow fields near the vessel bottom were obtained via CFD simulation and were found to be significantly more uniform in e present invention than in the current standard apparatus. The present invention has the potential of becoming a valid alternative to the standard USP dissolution testing apparatuses used for dissolution testing.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TERAHERTZ 2D INTERFEROMETRIC AND SYNTHETIC APERTURE IMAGING WITH AN INCOHERENT SOURCE

An interferometric and synthetic aperture THz incoherent imaging system is provided, in which a high-power electronic source such as a 0.094 THz Gunn Oscillator is integrated with a continuous-wave (CW) terahertz detection system in order to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio. THz imaging of a point source located 10 m away from the detector array is presented. A 2-D THz reflective image is reconstructed with only four detectors using rotational synthesis. 1. A Terahertz (THz) synthetic aperture imaging system comprising a continuous wave (CW) photomixing detection apparatus , the CW photomixing apparatus comprising at least one collimator coupled to a THz detector array , and a first THz radiation source for emitting radiation to be received at the at least one collimator; anda second THz radiation source independent of the first THz radiation source, positioned and operable to emit THz radiation toward a sample such that at least some radiation reflected from the sample is received by at least one detector in the THz detector array, wherein the first and second THz radiation sources are phase incoherent.2. The system according to further comprising an amplifier and antenna operably positioned between the second THz radiation source and a sample.3. The system according to wherein the second THz radiation source comprises a Gunn oscillator.4. The system according to wherein the second THz radiation source operates at a frequency of 0.094 THz.5. The system according to wherein the first THz radiation source comprises at least one laser.6. The system according to wherein the first THz radiation source comprises two distributed feedback (DFB) diode lasers operating near 852 nm detuned by 0.094 THz.7. The system according to wherein the CW photomixing apparatus comprises plural beam splitters operably positioned to receive radiation emitted from the first THz radiation source claim 1 , plural collimators positioned to receive beams from the beam splitters claim 1 , ...

Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes By Atmospheric Chemical Vapor Deposition

The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for producing carbon nanotubes. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved systems and methods for producing single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a carbon source in the presence of a catalyst. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved systems and methods for producing single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using carbon monoxide (CO) disproportionation in the presence of a catalyst composition on a catalyst support material. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for producing single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using carbon monoxide (CO) disproportionation with CO pressure from about 0.20 atm to about 1.0 atm in the presence of a cobalt/molybdenum catalyst composition on a magnesium oxide catalyst support.

METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING MARKED CONTENT

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a method of identifying marked content is described. 16-. (canceled)7. A method of classifying content of at least one image comprising:applying a trained analysis of variance process to said at least one image, wherein the trained analysis of variance process is trained based on forming multiple prediction error sets from neighboring samples of a set of known images;classifying the content of said at least one image based at least in part on the value obtained from application of the trained analysis of variance process.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said trained analysis of variance process comprises a trained support vector machine (SVM) process.9. (canceled)10. The method of claim 8 , wherein said trained analysis of variance process is based at least in part on thresholded prediction error images.1121-. (canceled)22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computing device executable instructions stored thereon claim 8 , the instructions comprising instructions for:applying a trained analysis of variance process to at least one image, wherein the trained analysis of variance process being trained based on forming multiple prediction error sets from neighboring samples of a set of known images; andclassifying the content of said at least one image based at least in part on the value obtained from application of the trained analysis of variance process.23. The medium of claim 22 , wherein said instructions for applying said trained analysis of variance process comprise instructions for applying a trained support vector machine (SVM) process.24. (canceled)25. The medium of claim 23 , wherein said instructions for applying said trained analysis of variance process are based at least in part on thresholded prediction error images.2629-. (canceled)30. An apparatus comprising:means for applying a trained analysis of variance process to at least one image, wherein said trained analysis of variance process is ...

System and Method for Fluoroalkylated Fluorophthalocyanines With Aggregating Properties and Catalytic Driven Pathway for Oxidizing Thiols

Organo-metallic materials with reduced steric hindrance and the ability to aggregate ar disclosed. The metal remains capable of binding additional molecules. As an example, Zn complexes that prove aggregation are provided. Such aggregation may help improve or trigger new surface properties of the materials, alone or in combination with others. In a further implementation of the present disclosure, a robust molecule that resists degradation via nucleophilic, electrophilic and radical attacks is provided. Coordinated Ois reduced catalytically, producing efficiently thyil radicals in spite of the extreme electronic deficiency of the catalyst. 1. A composition , comprising:a phthalocyanine molecule,wherein the phthalocyanine molecule exhibits an asymmetric orientation, andwherein the phthalocyanine molecule exhibits tunable π-π stacking.2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule is a fluoroalkylated fluorophthalocyanine molecule.3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule is capable of aggregation.4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule is adapted to form intermolecular interactions. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule may be produced by template tetramerization.6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule exhibits tunable π-π stacking in a solution state.7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the phthalocyanine molecule exhibits tunable π-π stacking in a solid state.8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the asymmetric orientation provides advantageous properties.9. The composition of claim 8 , wherein the advantageous properties include at least one of increased solubility claim 8 , variability and tenability in aggregation claim 8 , compatibility with polymers claim 8 , variable film forming properties claim 8 , a variable optical property claim 8 , and tunable magnetic and electronic interactions.10. The composition of claim 2 , wherein ...

REPLICATING TAG ENTRIES FOR RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT IN CACHE TAG ARRAYS

Technologies are generally described for exploiting program phase behavior to duplicate most recently and/or frequently accessed tag entries in a Tag Replication Buffer (TRB) to protect the information integrity of tag arrays in a processor cache. The reliability/effectiveness of microprocessor cache performance may be further improved by capturing/duplicating tags of dirty cache lines, exploiting the fact that detected error-corrupted clean cache lines can be recovered by L2 cache. A deterministic TRB replacement triggered early write-back scheme may provide full duplication and recovery of single-bit errors for tags of dirty cache lines. 1. A method for enhancing microprocessor cache performance by replicating tag entries , the method comprising:creating a tag replication buffer (TRB) in a cache tag locality (CTL);capturing entries of a tag array in an L1 cache;determining a frequency of access to the tag array associated with an entry of a tag array; andin response to the frequency of access of the entry exceeding a predefined threshold for the TRB, storing a replica of the of the tag array in the TRB.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein most recently accessed (MRA) entries are identified and stored in the TRB.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a size of the TRB is selected to store between about 8 entries and about 32 entries.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising associating each tag entry in the tag array with a pointer value that identifies a location of a corresponding replica in the TRB claim 1 , wherein pointer values are stored in a pointer part in the tag array.5. The method according to claim 4 , further comprising adding a copy identifier to each tag entry to indicate whether the corresponding tag entry has a replica in the TRB or not.6. The method according to claim 4 , wherein multiple tag entries share the same replica in the TRB.7. The method according to claim 4 , further comprising performing a content ...

OPTIMIZED ONTOLOGY BASED INTERNET SEARCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Methods and apparatus for providing suggested completions to search results are disclosed which employ locating nodes in a stored ontology, wherein nodes consist of classes or instances of information, that correspond to the at least one search term, retrieving neighbors of located nodes in the stored ontology, and generating suggested completions in a format which separates homonymic terms. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for building ontologies and dynamically expanding ontologies. 1. A method of providing suggested completions to search results , comprising:receiving at a server at least one search term;locating nodes in a stored ontology, wherein nodes consist of classes or instances of information, that correspond to the at least one search term;when two or more nodes are located in the stored ontology that match the at least one search term, for each located node, retrieving at least one neighbor and/or extended neighbor of the two or more located nodes in the stored ontology, wherein neighbors of a class comprise parent classes, child classes and classes that are reachable from a class by traversing a semantic relationship, and wherein neighbors of an instance are the class to which the instance belongs, object properties and data type properties of the instance; wherein extended neighbors of a class comprise ancestor classes, descendant classes and classes that are reachable from a class by traversing a path of at least one semantic relationship followed by another semantic relationship and wherein extended neighbors of an instance are classes which are reachable as parent or ancestors from the class to which the instance belongs, class properties and data type properties of the class to which the instance belongs; when the node is an instance;when the node is a class, retrieving first a parent or ancestor;when the node is an instance, retrieving first the class of which it is an instance or at least one of its ancestors;optionally, limiting the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PIEZOELECTRIC SCAFFOLD FOR TISSUE GROWTH AND REPAIR

Provided is an electroactive structure and method for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure. 1. An electroactive structure for growing and differentiating a differentiable cell comprising a three dimensional matrix of electrospun biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymer fibers formed by electrospinning the polymer at a high electric potential , wherein the fiber matrix forms a scaffold for supporting cell growth and differentiation; and wherein the scaffold conditions are sufficient to induce differentiation of a mesenchymal stem cell into either an osteogenic or chondrogenic phenotype.2. The electroactive structure according to claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymer is a homopolymer claim 1 , a copolymer or combination thereof.3. The electroactive structure according to claim 2 , wherein the homopolymer is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) claim 2 , or a trifluoroethylene polymer.4. The electroactive structure according to claim 2 , wherein the copolymer is a poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) copolymer.5. The electroactive structure according to claim 3 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric homopolymer fibers are annealed.6. The electroactive structure according to claim 4 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric copolymer fibers are annealed.7. The electroactive structure of claim 6 , wherein the matrix of fibers further comprises a growth factor capable of further promoting the differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cell into a osteogenic or chondrogenic phenotype.8. The ...

FAIR QUANTIZED CONGESTION NOTIFICATION (FQCN) TO MITIGATE TRANSPORT CONTROL PROTOCOL (TCP) THROUGHPUT COLLAPSE IN DATA CENTER NETWORKS

Technologies are generally described for an enhanced Quantized Congestion Notification (QCN) congestion control approach, referred to as Fair QCN (FQCN) for enhancing fairness of multiple flows sharing link capacity in a high bandwidth, low latency data center network. QCN messages may be fed back to flow sources (e.g., servers) which send packets with a sending rate over their share of the bottleneck link capacity. By enabling the flow sources to regulate their data traffic based on the QCN messages from a congestion control component, the queue length at the bottleneck link may converge to an equilibrium queue length rapidly and TCP throughput performance may be enhanced substantially in a TCP incast circumstance. 1. A data center network for controlling data traffic congestion , the data center network comprising:a plurality of reaction points configured to send data packets at a sending rate over respectively assigned shares of link capacity; and monitor packet arrival rate from each reaction point; and', 'feed congestion messages to the reaction points, the messages including a congestion severity parameter for enabling the reaction points to regulate the respective sending rates of the reaction points., 'a congestion point receiving data traffic from the plurality of reaction points, the congestion point configured to2. The data center network according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction points are servers and the congestion point is a switch.3. The data center network according to claim 1 , wherein the congestion point is further configured to maintain a buffer occupancy at a predefined operating point.4. The data center network according to claim 3 , wherein a switch buffer is attached to an oversubscribed link and the congestion point is further configured to:sample the incoming data packets with a probability depending on the severity of congestion; andcompute a severity of congestion parameter.5. The data center network according to claim 4 , wherein the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

Ultrasound systems and methods for detecting features of biological soft tissue are described. Systems and methods may employ low transient pulse technology. Methods employ detection and analysis of behavioral patterns of different signal parameters such as flight time, maximum amplitude, phase angle, and correlation for tumor detection and tissue analysis. Flight time and frequency components may be employed in tumor detection methods. 1. A system for analyzing biological soft tissue using ultrasound comprising a signal generator capable of generating a low transient pulse signal , a transmitter , at least one receiver and a signal analyzer.2. A system according to operable to detect and/or monitor a tumor in soft tissue.3. A system according to comprising a Quantitative Ultrasound System (QUS).4. A system according to comprising more than one receiver.5. A system according to wherein the signal analyzer is an oscilloscope.6. A system according to further comprising a data store operable to capture time and frequency domain parameters of a received signal.7. A system according to further comprising a computer programmed to analyze data selected from flight time claim 1 , maximum amplitude claim 1 , phase change claim 1 , and correlation analysis of the received acoustic signal.8. A method of analyzing biological soft tissue comprising generating a low transient pulse signal to a transmitter claim 1 , applying the transmitter and at least one receiver to a body structure containing the region of biological tissue to be analyzed claim 1 , transmitting the signal to the biological tissue to be analyzed claim 1 , and transmitting a received signal to a signal analyzer.9. A method according to wherein the biological tissue to be analyzed is soft tissue.10. A method according to further comprising interpreting time and frequency domain of the signal.11. The method according to further comprising evaluating one or more signal parameters selected from amplitude claim 8 , ...

PROACTIVE TEST-BASED DIFFERENTIATION METHOD AND SYSTEM TO MITIGATE LOW RATE DoS ATTACKS

A low rate DoS attack detection algorithm is used, which relies on a characteristic of the low rate DoS attack in introducing high rate traffic for short periods, and then uses a proactive test based differentiation technique to filter the attack packets. The proactive test defends against DDoS attacks and low rate DoS attacks which tend to ignore the normal operation of network protocols, but it also differentiates legitimate traffic from low rate DoS attack traffic instigated by botnets. It leverages on the conformity of legitimate flows, which obey the network protocols. It also differentiates legitimate connections by checking their responses to the proactive tests which include puzzles for distinguishing botnets from human users. 1. A system comprising:memory; receive communication flow information from incoming packets to a router on a network;', 'detecting an a low rate DoS attack if a total number of bytes of expired flows in a communication flow received at the router exceeds a detection threshold;, 'a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory configured toin response to detecting the attack, activate a proactive test-based differentiation technique (PTDT) module.Wherein PTDT module is configured to admit a communication flow into the network based on a pass counter, wherein the pass counter indicates a number of times the communication flow is found to reduce a communicate rate in response to the PTDT module dropping a packet in the communication flow.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the PTDT module is further configured to communicate a puzzle to an originator of a new communication flow claim 1 , wherein the puzzle is configured to ascertain whether the communication packet originated by human control.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the puzzle comprises a CAPTCHA test.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the new communication flow is identified by a synchronize (SYN) packet.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the PTDT module increments a fail ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING OF TUBULAR PARTS

Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby a propellant driven water stream is used in the formation of materials made from high tensile strength alloys. High pressure developed in liquid flowing through a tubular work piece is employed to achieve desired forms. The high pressure results from superposition of compression waves generated in the course of the impact of the liquid by products of propellant combustion. 1. A method of forming a workpiece into a desired shape comprising providing a die having an interior cavity configured to receive a workpiece , wherein the interior cavity comprises a dimension and shape corresponding to a desired shape of a finished workpiece , providing a combustion chamber adjacent one end of the die and a tapered nozzle adjacent an opposite end of the die , providing the nozzle with a relief opening at an end thereof , positioning the combustion chamber , die and nozzle in axially alignment , inserting a workpiece having two opposing open ends in the die cavity in axial alignment with the combustion chamber , die and nozzle , loading a propellant charge in the combustion chamber , filling the workpiece with a liquid , and activating the propellant charge.2. The method according to further comprising positioning an ignition mechanism adjacent to the combustion chamber and using the ignition mechanism to initiate a combustion event.3. The method according to further comprising providing a fluid supply to the workpiece.4. The method according to wherein the workpiece is tubular.5. The method according to comprising generating forming pressure of at least 1 GPa.6. A tubular device comprising a section having a tube diameter greater than a diameter of an adjacent section claim 1 , the section having a tube diameter greater than a diameter of an adjacent section formed by a process comprising providing a die having an interior cavity configured to receive a tubular workpiece claim 1 , providing the die with an interior cavity having a ...

Graphene deposition and graphenated substrates

Methods, devices, systems and/or articles related to techniques for forming a graphene film on a substrate, and the resulting graphene layers and graphenated substrates are generally disclosed. Some example techniques may be embodied as methods or processes for forming graphene. Some other example techniques may be embodied as devices employed to manipulate, treat, or otherwise process substrates, graphite, graphene and/or graphenated substrates as described herein. Graphene layers and graphenated substrates produced by the various techniques and devices provided herein are also disclosed.

Articular Cartilage Mimetics

This invention relates to articular cartilage mimetics and processes to make them using a composite of and electrospun fiber and a hydrogel. 1. A mimetic of articular cartilage which comprises a composite of an electrospun fiber and a hydrogel.2. The mimetic of wherein the electrospun fiber and the hydrogel are composed of the same materials.3. The mimetic of wherein the electrospun fiber and the hydrogel are composed of the same materials.4. The mimetic of wherein claim 1 , the composite is comprised of gelatin/sodium cellulose sulfate blends.5. The mimetic of the hydrogel and the electrospun fiber are both composed of gelatin and sodium cellulose sulfate.6. The mimetic of wherein the hydrogel and the electrospun fiber are both crosslinked.7. The mimetic of wherein the fiber contains only NaCS and the hydrogel is a blend of NaCS and gelatin.8. The mimetic of wherein the hydrogel contains only NaCS and the fiber is a blend of NaCS and gelatin.9. The mimetic of which is fiber reinforced composite hydrogel with from about 0.1 to about 5% NaCS fiber and 0% NaCS hydrogel.10. The mimetic of which is fiber reinforced composite hydrogel with 5% NaCS fiber and 5% NaCS hydrogel.11. A hydrogel composition which comprises gelatin and NaCS claim 1 , wherein the sulfated polysaccharide is present in from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.12. The composition of wherein the NaCS is present in about 0.1% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.13. The composition of wherein the NaCS is present in about 1% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.14. The composition of wherein the NaCS is present in about 5% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.15. The composition of wherein the NaCS is present in about 10% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.16. An electrospun fiber composition which comprises gelatin and from about 0.1% to about 5% NaCS ...

Systems and Methods for Superdisintegrant-Based Composite Particles for Dispersion and Dissolution of Agents

The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods utilizing colloidal/ultrafine superdisintegrant-based composite particles for dispersion and/or dissolution of active pharmaceutical agents. In general, the present disclosure utilizes a surfactant-free or near surfactant-free formulation by incorporating a wet milled SDI as a dispersant in the formulation. As such, the present disclosure provides for the preparation of surfactant-free or substantially surfactant-free formulations (e.g., nano-composite micro-particle formulations) by incorporating a wet-milled superdisintegrant (SDI) as the dispersant in the formulations. The advantageous SDI particles (e.g., colloidal/ultrafine SDI particles) of the present disclosure can be used to break-up the aggregates (e.g., nanoparticle aggregates) of the active agents (e.g. poorly water-soluble drugs) in the formulations (e.g., micro-particle formulations) and enhance the recovery of the nanoparticles of active agents during aqueous re-dispersion and their dissolution rate in vitro and in vivo. 1. A method for fabricating a formulation comprising:providing superdisintegrant (SDI) particles;providing active agent particles;co-wet-milling the SDI particles and the active agent particles to form a mixture of wet-milled SDI particles and active agent particles.2. The method of further comprising the step of drying the mixture of wet-milled SDI particles and active agent particles.3. The method of further comprising the step of incorporating the dried mixture into a solid dosage form.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the dried mixture is coated on an excipient.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the drying step includes a drying technique selected from the group consisting of fluidized bed drying claim 2 , spray drying claim 2 , vacuum drying claim 2 , freeze drying claim 2 , spray freeze drying claim 2 , oven drying claim 2 , fluidized bed coating and fluidized bed granulation.6. The method of ...

System and method for neural stimulation via optically activated floating microdevices

Stimulation of the central nervous system can be useful for treating neurological disorders. Wireless neurostimulating devices have the benefit that they can float in tissue and do not experience the sheering caused by tethering tension that connecting wires impose on the stimulators. An optically powered, logic controlled, CMOS microdevice that can decode telemetry data from an optical packet is a way of implementing wireless, addressable, microstimulators. Through the use of an optical packet, different devices can be addressed for stimulation, allowing spatially selective activation of neural tissue. The present invention, involves such a neural stimulation device, specifically an optically powered CMOS circuit that decodes telemetry data and determines whether it has been addressed.

System and Method for Protecting User Privacy Using Social Inference Protection Techniques

A system and method for protecting user privacy using social inference protection techniques is provided. The system executes a plurality of software modules which model of background knowledge associated with one or more users of the mobile computing devices; estimate information entropy of a user attribute which could include identity, location, profile information, etc.; utilize the information entropy models to predict the social inference risk; and minimize privacy risks by taking a protective action after detecting a high risk. 1. A system for protecting individual privacy in a computer network , comprising:first means for modeling a context associated with an individual user and storing the modeled context in a data store;second means for calculating an information entropy level associated with a user and storing the calculated information entropy level in the data store;third means for calculating a privacy threshold associated with a user and storing the calculated privacy threshold in the data store; andfourth means for executing at least one privacy protection action based upon the modeled context, the calculated information entropy level, and the calculated privacy threshold.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first means implements a deterministic model of background information associated with a user.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first means implements a probabilistic model of background information associated with a user.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first means models vicinity information about a user's vicinity.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the modeled vicinity information includes at least one of names of nearby persons claim 4 , profiles of nearby persons claim 4 , and information about nearby locations.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first means models personal information about people nearby a user.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the personal information includes at least one of a user's demographic ...

System and method for continuous removal of water from oil via membrane separation

An oil circulation system and method for continuously purifying engine oil including an engine operably connected to an oil reservoir, wherein at least one stream of oil is conveyed from the oil reservoir to the engine via a conduit, and circulated through the engine and conduit via engine operating pressure and/or one or more pumps, and at least one membrane unit positioned in a path of the oil stream such that oil containing dissolved/emulsified droplets of water is fed continuously through the membrane unit. A cross flow hollow fiber module adapted to be positioned in a system for continuously purifying engine oil, the hollow fiber module having a central feed distributor tube, hollow fiber membranes positioned around the central feed distributor tube, end caps with ports for receiving and emitting a flow of sweep air, and optionally a shell casing, wherein the central feed distributor tube includes openings sized and positioned to allow oil to flowing into the feed distributor tube to flow out radially.

LOCALIZED WAVE GENERATION VIA MODEL DECOMPOSITION OF A PULSE BY A WAVE LAUNCHER

Implementations for exciting two or more modes via modal decomposition of a pulse by a wave launcher are generally disclosed. 1. A method for a waveguide to emit two or more modes of propagating waves for observation of a localized wave peak at a predetermined distance from an aperture end of the waveguide , the method comprising:selecting one or more amplitude and/or phase shift settings based at least in part on the predetermined distance from the aperture end of the waveguide; andexciting two or more modes via modal decomposition of a pulse in the waveguide, based at least in part on the selected one or more amplitude and/or phase shift settings.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the predetermined distance to peak prior to selecting the amplitude and/or the phase shift settings.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising generating the pulse prior to exciting the two or more modes to synthesize a desired aperture field to produce the localized wave peak at the predetermined distance.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising observing the peak at the predetermined distance based at least in part on a combination of the two or more modes radiated from the aperture end.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein exciting two or more modes comprises exciting two or more antennas in the waveguide claim 1 , wherein each of the two or more antennas is arranged to emit energy associated with at least one of the modes or superposition of modes of the propagating waves when excited by the modal decomposition of the pulse.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein exciting two or more modes comprises adjusting one or more amplitude and/or phase shift of at least one of the modes of the propagating waves with two or more dielectric tuning elements affixed to the waveguide.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein exciting two or more modes comprises exciting two or more modes of the propagating waves with a corrugated section in the waveguide.825-. (canceled)26. A ...

HIERARCHICAL ENERGY OPTIMIZATION FOR DATACENTER NETWORKS

Technologies are presented for power optimization of datacenter networks in a hierarchical perspective. In some examples, a two-level power optimization model may be established to reduce the power consumption of datacenter networks by switching off network switches and links while still guaranteeing full connectivity and maximum link utilization. The model may be implemented by solving a capacitated constraint multi-commodity flow (CMCF) problem employing simple heuristic techniques. A power status of network switches may be determined according to a network traffic matrix and the CMCF optimization determined at core-level and at pod-level. A complementary process to provision whole network connectivity and to meet quality of service (QoS) goals may also be performed. 1. A method for providing hierarchical energy optimization in a datacenter network , the method comprising:determining a power status of switches according to a network traffic matrix;determining a core-level capacitated multi-commodity flow (CMCF) optimization;determining a pod-level capacitated multi-commodity flow (CMCF) optimization; andperforming a complementary process to provision whole network connectivity and to meet quality of service (QoS) goals.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the power status of the switches is determined in a descending order of need to be powered on.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the core-level CMCF optimization is determined for edge switches and the pod-level CMCF is determined for aggregation switches.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the core-level CMCF optimization includes determining core switches that are to stay active to flow an outgoing traffic and determining aggregation switches which serve an out-pod traffic in each pod.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the pod-level CMCF includes determining aggregation switches that are to be powered to flow an intra-pod traffic.6. The method ...

Membrane Distillation Apparatus and Methods

Membranes for membrane distillation include at least one hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membrane, the at least one membrane including carbon nanotubes incorporated into the pore structure of the membrane. Membrane distillation systems may include a heat exchanger operably connected to a hollow fiber membrane module with one or more membranes including carbon nanotubes. Methods of solvent removal, sample preconcentration and desalination employing hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membranes with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. 1. A membrane for membrane distillation comprising at least one membrane , the at least one membrane comprising nano carbons incorporated into the membrane structure.2. The membrane in accordance with wherein at least a portion of the nano carbons comprises carbon nanotubes.3. The membrane in accordance with wherein at least a portion of the nano carbons comprises single or multiwalled carbon nanotubes.4. The membrane in accordance with wherein the membrane is a hollow fiber membrane.5. The membrane in accordance with wherein the membrane is a flat membrane.6. The membrane in accordance with wherein the membrane is a porous claim 1 , hydrophobic claim 1 , hollow fiber membrane.7. A membrane module comprising a housing containing therein at least one membrane according to claim 1 , the housing having an inlet for receiving a feed and at least one outlet for discharging permeate.8. The membrane module according to comprising at least one outlet for discharging concentrate.9. The membrane module according to comprising plural membranes.10. A membrane distillation system comprising a heat exchanger operably connected to a membrane module comprising at least one membrane in accordance with claim 1 , and a sample collection element operably connected to an outlet of the membrane module.11. The membrane distillation system according to further comprising a chromatography column for receiving concentrate and optionally a detector for online analysis.12. ...

Injectable Self-assembling Antibacterial Peptide Hydrogels

A set of cationic amphiphilic self-assembled peptides (CASPs) is presented that employ high-charge density at fiber edges to disrupt bacterial membranes. CASP nanofibers are effective against biofilms. There is an inherent trade-off between the ability of the peptides to undergo nanofibrous self-assembly and having a high terminal charge density required for effective bactericidal efficacy. The self-assembled peptide hydrogel presented achieves a balance of these opposing factors. Also demonstrated is the applicability of the new composition in an injectable hydrogel formulation. A CASP platform may be useful for topical application and integration into medical coatings, grafts, devices, and prostheses, thereby reducing risk of bacterial infection and related failure. 2. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 1 , wherein the CASP intrinsically undergoes self-hydrogelation in aqueous solutions without addition of an exogenous gel base.3. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 2 , wherein the hydrogel is topically applied or integrated into a wound bed directly claim 2 , or integrated into medical coatings claim 2 , grafts claim 2 , devices claim 2 , and prostheses for reducing risk of bacterial infection and related failure.4. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 1 , wherein the lysine (K) may be substituted for a positively charged amino acid selected from a group consisting of arginine (Arg claim 1 , R) claim 1 , histidine (His claim 1 , H) claim 1 , modified or unnatural positively charged monovalent or polyvalent amino acids claim 1 , and any combination thereof.5. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 1 , wherein the peptide CASP-K6 contains a varied combination of K claim 1 , S claim 1 , and L.6. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 1 , wherein the peptide CASP-6 improves antimicrobial effects by either increasing or decreasing the number of K claim 1 , S claim 1 , and L amino acids.7. The anti-bacterial hydrogel of claim 1 , wherein the peptide CASP-6 inhibits ...

Composite Matrix for Bone Repair Applications

Composite fibrous and non-fibrous matrices of biocompatible, bioactive synthetic polymers and ceramics are described. The composite matrices support bone cell differentiation and may be used alone or with whole bone marrow, isolated mesenchymal stem cells and/or bone grafts for bone repair and bone regeneration.

System and Method for a Piezoelectric Collagen Scaffold

The present invention provides novel methods for poling piezoelectric materials, e.g., collagen, which are carried out in the absence of liquid media and at a relatively low temperature. The present invention also provides electroactive scaffolds comprising poled collagen for promoting cell growth and differentiation. 1. A method of poling piezoelectric material , said method comprising exposing said piezoelectric material to a constant electric field;wherein said method is carried out at a temperature of about 80° C. or less.2. The method of claim 2 , wherein said method is carried out in the absence of a liquid medium.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method is carried out at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 80° C.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said method is carried out at a temperature of about 50° C.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method comprises exposing said piezoelectric material to a constant electric field of about 0.5×10to about 10V/m.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method comprises exposing said piezoelectric material to a constant electric field of about 4.4×10V/m.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method comprises applying to the piezoelectric material an electric voltage of about 1 kV to about 50 kV.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric material is sandwiched between Teflon and steel plates during exposure to the constant electric field.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a polymer.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said polymer is a naturally derived polymer.11. The method of claim 9 , wherein said polymer is biocompatible claim 9 , biodegradable or both.12. The method of claim 9 , wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of collagen claim 9 , gelatin claim 9 , zein claim 9 , elastin claim 9 , silk claim 9 , chitosan claim 9 , chitin claim 9 , alginate claim 9 , starch claim 9 , cellulose claim 9 , proteoglycans and a glycosaminoglycan.13. The ...

ASSIGNMENT OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES HEURISTICALLY TO GREEN RELAYS IN WIRELESS NETWORK

Technologies are generally described to assignment of communication devices heuristically to green relays in a wireless network. According to some examples, a first device pair that includes a source device and a destination device assigned to a green relay among multiple green relays may be detected. A second device pair that includes another source device and destination device assigned to the green relay may also be detected. Data rates of the first device pair and the second device pair may be compared to select one of the first or second device pairs as a low traffic pair with a minimum data rate. A search among the green relays may then be executed to locate another green relay to assign the low traffic pair. The low traffic pair may be assigned to the other green relay in order to reduce an average traffic load of the original green relay. 1. A method to assign communication devices to green relays in a wireless network , the method comprising:detecting a first device pair assigned to a first green relay among a plurality of green relays, wherein the first device pair includes a first source device and a first destination device;detecting a second device pair assigned to the first green relay, wherein the second device pair includes a second source device and a second destination device;comparing a first data rate of the first device pair and a second data rate of the second device pair to select one of the first device pair and the second device pair as a low traffic pair with a minimum data rate;executing a first search of the plurality of green relays to locate a second green relay to assign the low traffic pair;attempting to assign the low traffic pair to the second green relay to reduce an average traffic load of the first green relay; andlabeling the first green relay with a marker to reduce a possibility of a selection of the first green relay in a subsequent search associated with the low traffic pair.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein comparing the ...

Systems and Methods for CO2 Removal From Flue Gas By Temperature Swing Absorption

The present disclosure provides improved systems, assemblies and methods to remove and recover COfrom emissions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved membrane contactors configured to remove COfrom flue gas by temperature swing absorption. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a novel hollow fiber membrane contactor that integrates absorption and stripping using a nonvolatile reactive absorbent (e.g., 80% polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 0, and 20% of an ionic liquid (IL)). Equilibrium COabsorption in the nonvolatile viscous mixed absorbent is as high as 6.37 mmolCO/g absorbent in the presence of moisture at 50° C. A novel membrane contactor is provided for COabsorption and stripping via a process identified as temperature swing membrane absorption (TSMAB). The contactor integrates non-dispersive gas absorption and hot water-based COstripping in one device/assembly containing two sets of commingled hollow fibers. 1. A method to remove COfrom emissions comprising:providing a housing;disposing a first plurality and a second plurality of hollow fibers in the housing, the first plurality of hollow fibers including porous wall hydrophobic hollow fibers and the second plurality of hollow fibers including solid wall hollow fibers;disposing an absorbent in the housing between the first and second plurality of hollow fibers;{'sub': '2', 'flowing feed gas through the first plurality of hollow fibers, the first plurality of hollow fibers configured to allow COfrom the feed gas to diffuse to and be absorbed in the absorbent;'}shutting down the flow of feed gas;{'sub': '2', 'flowing hot water through the second plurality of hollow fibers to heat the absorbent and strip the absorbed COinto the first plurality of hollow fibers; and'}{'sub': '2', 'withdrawing the stripped COfrom the housing through the first plurality of hollow fibers.'}2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the feed gas is flowed through the first plurality of ...

System and Method for Fabrication of Uniform Polymer Films Containing Nano and Micro Particles via Continuous Drying Process

The present disclosure provides improved stripfilm based pharmaceutical products (e.g., for enhancing dissolution and bioavailability). More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved systems/methods for fabricating stripfilm based pharmaceutical products by utilizing higher viscosity film forming precursors and drying methods that accomplish improved/faster drying and provide improved/excellent content uniformity of active pharmaceutical agents in the stripfilm based pharmaceutical products. Exemplary systems/methods advantageously use high viscosity, bio-compatible polymeric precursors, (optional use of surface modified drug powders), and convective drying for fabrication of thin films loaded with nano and/or micro sized particles of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve improved active content uniformity and very fast dissolution from poorly water soluble actives, while accomplishing fast drying during the fabrication process. The present disclosure provides for the fast drying (e.g., via low temperature forced convection) of biocompatible polymer films loaded with poorly water-soluble drug nano-particles.

TASTE MASKED ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL POWDER COMPOSITIONS AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING THEM

A taste masked particulate pharmaceutical formulation include a core that comprises an active pharmaceutical ingredient; at least a partial nanoparticle material layer on the core that comprises a nanoparticle material with a median particle size not greater than 100 nm; a first polymer layer that is at least partially water soluble and a second polymer layer that is water insoluble. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is completely released in 30 minutes in the USP Dissolution Test. A process of making the particulate pharmaceutical formulation using sequential fluidized bed coating steps under controlled conditions is also described. 1. A process for preparing a taste masked particulate pharmaceutical formulation from core particles that comprise an active pharmaceutical ingredient and at least a partial coating of nanoparticle material that has a median particle size not greater than 100 nm , comprising steps of:1) coating the core particles in a fluidized bed with a first polymer layer; and2) coating the first polymer layer of the core particles with a water insoluble second polymer layer in a fluidized bed; andwherein the first polymer layer is at least partially water soluble.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the step of coating the core particles with the first polymer layer comprises spraying a polymer solution in an amount sufficient to achieve a polymer loading of from 2 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the particulate pharmaceutical formulation.3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer layer comprises a water soluble polymer.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer layer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose claim 1 , hydroxypropyl cellulose claim 1 , polyvinylpyrrolidone claim 1 , polyvinyl alcohol claim 1 , ammonio methacrylate copolymer claim 1 , ethylcellulose and combinations thereof.5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the step of coating the core particles with the first polymer layer ...

SOLVENTLESS MIXING PROCESS FOR COATING PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS

The present invention is a solventless method of producing polymer coated active pharmaceutical ingredient that is taste-masked and may be released in relatively short time. It employs high energy vibrations or acoustic mixing of API particles, water soluble coating material particles and hydrophobic polymer particles, with or without use of other pharmaceutically relevant powders as media. Additionally the method is capable of producing individually coated drug particles without agglomeration or the long drying times associated with solvent based coating methods. 1. A process for preparing a particulate pharmaceutical formulation from core particles comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient , comprising the step of:mixing the core particles, water soluble and/or water swellable coating material particles, and substantially water insoluble polymer particles, to produce the particulate pharmaceutical formulation comprising coated core particles;wherein a volume averaged median particle size of the core particles is at least three times greater than a median particle size of both the water soluble and/or water swellable coating material particles and the substantially water insoluble polymer particles;less than 0.1% of the API dissolves in a dissolution test indicative of taste-release in the mouth in 60 seconds; andat least 90% of an amount of the API that would have been released from uncoated core particles of a same composition and size in a USP dissolution test indicative of dissolution in the GI tract is released within 30 minutes.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is completely released from the particulate pharmaceutical formulation in 30 minutes in the USP Dissolution Test.3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the volume averaged median particle size of the core particles is in a range of from 10 μm to 1000 μm.4. The process of claim 3 , wherein the volume averaged median particle size of the core particles is in a ...

Finger Prosthetic

Disclosed is a finger prosthetic is provided that could be attached to an individual's hand. The finger prosthetic includes a midsection, a fingertip portion, and a ring. The midsection, the fingertip portion, and the ring could be 3D printed and customized via 3D scanning The finger prosthetic includes a torsion spring system that comprises a fabricated torsion spring, a cable, and a pin. When the individual flexes their PIP joint, tension is generated in the cable and the cable pulls on the prosthetic fingertip thus flexing the prosthetic DIP joint simultaneously. When the individual wishes to extend the prosthetic DIP joint, he/she simply extends the PIP joint, causing the torsion spring to extend the prosthetic DIP joint. When the PIP joint is at rest, the cable will release the tension and the torsion spring will cause the DIP joint to extend to its upright position. 1. A finger prosthetic comprising:a fingertip portion and a midsection flexibly connected together through a hinge joint;a ring flexibly connected to the midsection by at least one lateral strut;a torsion spring embedded in the fingertip portion and midsection, the torsion spring configured to allow the fingertip portion to pivot relative to the midsection; anda cable interwoven through the fingertip portion, the midsection and the ring; wherein when a user flexes a user's proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint then tension is generated in the cable and the cable pulls on the fingertip portion flexing the midsection and the fingertip portion simultaneously to function as a prosthetic distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.2. The finger prosthetic of claim 1 , wherein the finger portion claim 1 , midsection claim 1 , and ring are all 3D printed and customized via 3D scanning without the use of a plaster cast.3. The finger prosthetic of claim 1 , wherein the ring is positioned is positioned around the base of a residual limb of the user and the ring provides stability to the rest of the finger prosthetic ...

System and Method for Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules and Back Contact for Thin Solar Cells

The present disclosure provides improved thin film photovoltaic devices and related methods of fabrication. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved CdTe photovoltaic devices and related fabrication methods. Disclosed is a novel thin film photovoltaic device and means for its fabrication. An exemplary device includes a metal oxide layer between the absorber layer and the rear electrode, resulting in an ohmic back contact and having improved device stability. The metal oxide layer can include at least one of silver oxide or copper oxide, and may additionally contain nickel oxide, molybdenum oxide, and/or vanadium oxide. The present disclosure is directed towards formation of a ohmic back contact for solar cells, the back contact having improved stability. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an ohmic contact to p-type II-VI semiconductors, and to the fabrication of solar cells having improved stability, and to solar panels incorporating such back contact schemes. 1. A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device comprising:providing a transparent substrate;positioning a transparent conductor layer positioned on the transparent substrate; a window layer positioned on the transparent conductor layer;an absorber layer positioned on the window layer, the absorber layer including a Group II-VI semiconductor;a doping layer positioned on the absorber layer, the doping layer including at least one of silver oxide or copper oxide;a contact layer positioned on the doping layer, the contact layer: (i) including one or more metal oxides, and (ii) forming an ohmic contact with the absorber layer; anda metal layer positioned on the contact layer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transparent conductor layer includes a material system selected from the group consisting of a degenerately doped metal oxide claim 1 , a degenerately doped metal oxide overcoated with a high resistance layer claim 1 , and a silver nanowire net.3. The method ...

MEASUREMENT OF PACKET PROCESSING TIME OF END HOSTS THROUGH ESTIMATION OF END LINK CAPACITY

Technologies are generally described for measuring packet processing time of a remotely connected host device. According to some examples, link capacity may be measured to estimate the packet processing time (PPT). The capacity of the link connected to a host may be measured through active probing with the hosts time-stamping each probing packet after receiving it. Thus, PPT information may be included in the packet receiving process and the processes that the packet undergoes defined by the nature of different computing applications, time-stamping a packet is an example of a process that involves processing time. 1. A method for measuring packet processing time of end hosts through estimation of end link capacity , the method comprising:transmitting a compound probe comprising two or more packets from a source host to a destination host;enabling the compound probe to be time-stamped at each host upon being received; andestimating the packet processing time based on one or more of time-stamp values of the compound probe and a linear relationship between one or more intra-probe packet gaps and packet sizes of respective compound probe packets.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:selecting the packets in the compound probe of different sizes.3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising:selecting the packet sizes to define properties of dispersion gaps.4. (canceled)5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the intra-probe packet gaps are measured based on a comparison of the time-stamp values.6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:estimating the packet processing time from a linear relationship between the intra-probe packet gaps and packet sizes of respective compound probe packets.7. The method according to claim 6 , further comprising:offsetting the estimated packet processing time by a predefined constant value based on a type of the destination host.8. (canceled)9. The method according to claim 1 , further ...

CELL SIZE OPTIMIZATION FOR ENERGY SAVINGS IN CELLULAR NETWORKS WITH HYBRID ENERGY SUPPLIES

Technologies are generally described for reducing the from-power-grid energy consumption of a wireless network such as a cellular network over a period of time through cell size adaptations. According to some examples, cell sizes for the base stations may be optimized by decomposing the cell size optimization into two approaches: a multi-stage energy allocation approach and an energy consumption minimization approach. By implementing an energy allocation policy based on available energy type (e.g., from-power grid or renewable) and an approximation technique for the energy consumption minimization, cell size optimization for each base station may be achieved resulting in network-wide enhancement of renewable energy usage vs. from-power-grid energy usage. 1. A method for optimizing hybrid energy use in cellular communication networks through cell size adjustment , the method comprising:determining an energy consumption by a plurality of base stations in a cellular communication network;determining an energy allocation for each of the base stations, wherein the energy allocation for each of the base stations depends on energy allocations for remaining base stations;instructing the base stations to adjust their transmit power according to the determined energy allocation for each base station; andcausing cell sizes for each of the base stations to be adjusted based on end devices in respective cells selecting to remain in their respective cell or to switch to another base station based on the adjusted transmit power of their respective base stations.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:determining the energy allocation for each of the base stations and instructing the base stations to adjust their transmit power during periodic cell size updates.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:determining the energy allocation based on an availability of a renewable energy portion of an overall energy supply.4. The method according to claim 3 ...

ENERGY PACKET SWITCHES

Energy packet switches (EPS) employing supercapacitors as storage provide aggregation and delivery of energy to users based on shared-capacitance in a digital power grid. The EPS aggregates energy from one or multiple energy sources, stores and dispatches the energy in discrete amounts as energy packets to one or multiple users. The payload of the energy packet is adjusted by the voltages of the supercapacitors which are used as energy containers for both the EPS and the users. The EPS has a control plane where data transmitted is used to control the operation of the EPS, and a power plane to receive and transmit energy between ports. The power and data planes work in parallel and with a parallel data network. Control and management of the EPS are based on a request-grant transport protocol. The data network is used to receive energy requests and grants, and a granting scheme is used to select which loads are granted energy. By sending addresses of granted loads on the data network and energy on the energy grid, energy is delivered to addressed destinations. 1. An energy packet switch (EPS) comprising a central controller , at least one energy inlet , at least one energy outlet , a network interface , at least one supercapacitor and an interconnection fabric , wherein the interconnection fabric comprises a plurality of network controllable switches , coupled to the at least one supercapacitor and the central controller.2. The EPS of wherein the network interface comprises a power access point (PAP).3. The EPS of wherein the central controller comprises a computing device operably coupled to the at least one supercapacitor and configured and operable to be coupled to a data network claim 1 , the central controller comprising a non-transitory claim 1 , computer readable storage medium containing a computer program claim 1 , which when executed by a computer processor causes the computer processor to perform actions claim 1 , the actions comprising receiving a request ...

Optical coherence elastography

A miniature quantitative optical coherence elastography system with an integrated Fabry-Perot force sensor for in situ elasticity measurement of biological tissue is provided. The technique has great potential for biomechanics modeling and clinical diagnosis. The qOCE system contains a fiber-optic probe that exerts a compressive force to deform tissue at the tip of the probe. Using the space-division multiplexed optical coherence tomography signal detected by a spectral domain optical coherence tomography engine, probe deformation in proportion to the force applied is quantified, as well as the tissue deformation corresponding to the external stimulus. Simultaneous measurement of force and displacement allows for calculation of Young's modulus from the biological tissue. The provided system has had its effectiveness validated on tissue mimicking phantoms, as well as biological tissues, with the advantages of being minimal invasive and also not requiring the use of external agents or substantial pre-measuring preparation.

MEASUREMENT OF CLOCK SKEW BETWEEN TWO REMOTE HOSTS CONNECTED THROUGH COMPUTER NETWORKS

Technologies are generally described for measuring clock skew between two remote hosts connected through a computer network. According to some examples, pairs of probe packets, also referred to as a compound probe, may be transmitted over an end-to-end path in both directions (forward and reverse paths) to measure a gap value at the end nodes for clock skew estimation. Compound probes may arrive at the end nodes with a zero dispersion gap (no separation) and the gap values along the forward and reverse paths may be determined by a capacity of the links connected to the end nodes added to the clock speeds of the measuring nodes upon arriving at the end nodes. The link capacity is a constant network parameter. Thus, the ratio of the measured gap values may provide an estimate of clock speed discrepancy between the end nodes. 1. A method for estimating a clock skew between two remotely connected hosts , the method comprising:transmitting a train of compound probes comprising two or more packets from a source host to a destination host;determining a minimum intra-compound gap of the train of compound probes received at the destination host;transmitting another train of compound probes comprising two or more packets from the destination host to the source host;determining a minimum intra-compound gap of the other train of compound probes received at the source host;computing a difference between the minimum intra-compound gaps; andestimating the clock skew at the destination host based on a ratio of the computed difference and the minimum intra-compound gap of the other train of compound probes received at the source host.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:selecting the packets in the train of compound probes of different sizes.3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising:selecting the packet sizes such that a packet size of a first packet is larger than a packet size of a second packet in each compound probe.4. (canceled)5. The method ...

Additive Manufacturing of Channels

A method is disclosed for 3D printing of soft polymeric material such as a hydrogel or elastomer for scaffolds or devices with embedded channels with tunable shape and size such as a channel inner diameter). The method utilizes extrusion based printing of polymer solutions usually referred as direct ink writing (DIW) or BioPlotting, and requires sequential printing of a photocurable polymer solution, herein, referred as the matrix material, and a sacrificial polymer solution that may dissolve in an aqueous media. 1. A method for making a 3D scaffold or a device , comprises:printing a photocurable polymer matrix material layer and a sacrificial polymer material layer; andwherein the sacrificial polymer material layer is printed directly within the freshly printed photocurable matrix material layer.2. The method of further comprises: placing an extrusion needle only within an interface layer that is partially crosslinked for free motion movement of the needle without using a shear thinning material; and wherein the printing is done sequentially.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix material is a photo-curable material without shear thinning behavior.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the printing further comprises creating a vascularized scaffold in a single step using dual extrusion printing.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the vascularized scaffold is a hydrogel with embedded channels for vascularization.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the vascularized scaffold is a soft microfluidic device made from an elastomer or a hydrogel.7. A method for making a 3D scaffold claim 4 , comprises:directly and sequentially printing a photocurable matrix material and a photocurable sacrificial material in a single step by a dual extrusion based printing;fabricating a vascularized scaffold; andwherein the photocurable matrix material and sacrificial material is not a shear thinning material, and the sequential printing of the sacrificial material is within an interface ...

Hydrogel Composition

A hydrogel composition is provided that includes crosslinked dextran and dextran sulfate. The hydrogel composition may be included in a matrix that includes an osmotically active material immobilized in the matrix. The hydrogel composition can be combined into superabsorbent preparations that are capable of adsorbing large amounts of water. The superabsorbent preparations have advantages in the use of absorbent materials for physiological fluids, such as diapers, incontinence products, wound dressings and the like, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. In addition, biodegradable superabsorbents of the invention can be prepared. 1. A hydrogel composition which comprises crosslinked dextran and dextran sulfate , wherein the dextran sulfate is present in from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the amount of gelatin present in the composition.2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the dextran sulfate is present in about 5% by weight of the amount of crosslinked dextran present in the composition.3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the dextran sulfate is present in about 10% by weight of the amount of crosslinked dextran present in the composition.4. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the dextran sulfate is present in about 20% by weight of the amount of crosslinked dextran present in the composition.5. The composition of claim 1 , further comprising an osmotically active material immobilized in a matrix defined by the hydrogel composition.6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the matrix is a water soluble claim 5 , crosslinkable material.7. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the osmotically active material is an oligomeric or polyionic material.8. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the osmotically active material is selected from the group of chitosan claim 5 , diethylaminoethyl dextran claim 5 , sulfated glycosaminoglycan and sulfated polysaccharide.9. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the osmotically active material is present in from ...

System and Method For A Piezoelectric Scaffold For Nerve Growth and Repair

Provided is an electroactive structure for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure. 1. An electroactive structure for growing an isolated differentiable cell comprisinga three-dimensional matrix of electrospun fibers comprising a biocompatible synthetic permanently piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the fibers are annealed, either thermally or chemically, and demonstrate enhanced piezoelectric characteristics, crystal organization or a combination of both, wherein the matrix forms a supporting scaffold for growing the differentiable cell, andat least one isolated differentiable neural progenitor cell seeded in the matrix.2. The electroactive structure according to claim 1 , wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable neural cell into a mature neural cell phenotype on the structure.3. The electroactive structure according to claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic permanently piezoelectric polymeric material is poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) copolymer.4. The electroactive structure of claim 2 , wherein the matrix of fibers further comprises a growth factor capable of further promoting the differentiation of the isolated differentiable neural cell into a mature neural cell phenotype.5. The electroactive structure of claim 4 , wherein the growth factor is at least one of NGF claim 4 , BDNF or a combination of both.6. The electroactive structure of claim 5 , wherein the growth factor is associated with the matrix of fibers through at least one of a covalent interaction claim 5 , a non-covalent ...

Dry processed surface coated engineering excipients

Pharmaceutical blends are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical blend includes a cohesive active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and a dry coated pharmaceutical excipient. The dry coated pharmaceutical excipient is present in an amount of about 1 wt % to 99 wt %, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical blend. The dry coated pharmaceutical excipient includes a core and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell partially covers the core of the pharmaceutical excipient.

EXOSKELETON WITH ADMITTANCE CONTROL

A control system and method for an exoskeleton is provided. The control system utilizes the admittance control paradigm to provide a system and method for manipulating the exoskeleton using minimal force from the user. A force/torque sensor and servo motors are fitted onto a passive arm support, enabling motorized support for a user with upper extremity weaknesses. The exoskeleton may be used on any extremity. The admittance control paradigm includes an impedance control and an admittance control to allow a user with upper extremity weakness and limited independence to intuitively and with minimal force control the precise trajectory of their arms to achieve a greater degree of independence in activities of daily living. Unlike existing passive arm supports that utilize springs or rubber bands to balance the user's arm against gravity, this system provides more precise gravity compensation and minimizes the amount of force required to control the exoskeleton. 1. An exoskeleton system comprising:a passive arm support having at least one joint to articulate the arm support;a forearm cuff attached to or integral to the arm support;at least one sensor attached between the forearm cuff and the passive arm support, the sensor being adapted to detect applied force, or torque from a user;a motor attached to the arm support to create a motorized arm support, the motor enabling motorized control of the arm support at all degrees of freedom of the arm support; anda controller coupled to the motor and the at least one sensor, the controller programmed with an admittance control loop to motorize the passive support using an admittance control and an impedance control and to control the position and orientation of the passive arm support based on applied forces and torques from the user.2. The exoskeleton of claim 1 , wherein the admittance control is the control interface for the motorized arm support and implementation of admittance control for the motorized arm support has a ...

FORWARDING CELLS OF PARTITIONED DATA THROUGH A THREE-STAGE CLOS-NETWORK PACKET SWITCH WITH MEMORY AT EACH STAGE

Examples are disclosed for forwarding cells of partitioned data through a three-stage memory-memory-memory (MMM) input-queued Clos-network (IQC) packet switch. In some examples, each module of the three-stage MMM IQC packet switch includes a virtual queue and a manager that are configured in cooperation with one another to forward a cell from among cells of partitioned data through at least a portion of the switch. The cells of partitioned data may have been partitioned and stored at an input port for the switch and have a destination of an output port for the switch. 14.-. (canceled)5. A method to match a link between an output module and a plurality of central modules of a three-stage memory-memory-memory (MMM) input-queued Clos-network (IQC) packet switch such that partitioned data is kept in sequence as the partitioned data is forwarded from one or more queues maintained at the output module to an output port coupled to the output module , the method comprising:receiving a request to match a link between the output module and a first central module from among the plurality of central modules, the request associated with forwarding a first cell from among a plurality of cells to a first queue maintained at the output module, the plurality of cells partitioned from data received at an input port of the three-stage MMM IQC packet switch and destined for the output port coupled to the output module, the plurality of cells forwarded toward the destination output port via an input module coupled to the plurality of central modules, the request to include an indication of an age of the first cell; andgranting the request based on the indication of the age of the first cell, wherein in response to receiving an acceptance of the grant of the request, matching the link between the output module and the first central module.6. A method according to claim 5 , further comprising:receiving a separate request to match a link between the output module and a second central ...

CARBON NANOTUBE IMMOBILIZED SUPER-ABSORBING MEMBRANES

Carbon nanotube (CNT) immobilized membranes for harvesting pure water from air include CNTs incorporated into a layer of super-absorbing polymer. The super-absorbing polymer may be cast over a porous substrate. The super-absorbing polymer binds strongly to water and generates water clusters while the CNTs are operable to interrupt the specific water-polymer and water-water interactions to generate more free water which permeates more easily through the membrane. Methods of forming the CNT immobilized membranes are provided. The CNT immobilized membranes disclosed herein exhibit improved water vapor extraction efficiency, water vapor removal and mass transfer coefficient. 1. A polymeric membrane comprising a porous substrate and a layer disposed on a surface of the porous substrate , the layer comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes immobilized in a super-absorbent polymer.2. The polymeric membrane according to wherein the porous substrate comprises a porous polymeric material.3. The polymeric membrane according to wherein the porous substrate is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate claim 2 , cellulose ester claim 2 , polysulfone claim 2 , polyether sulfone claim 2 , polyacrilonitrile claim 2 , polyamide claim 2 , polyimide claim 2 , polyethylene claim 2 , polypropylene claim 2 , polytetrafluoroethylene claim 2 , polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylchloride.4. The polymeric membrane according to wherein the porous substrate comprises polypropylene.5. The polymeric membrane according to wherein the porous substrate comprises hollow fiber polypropylene.6. The polymeric membrane according to wherein at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is single walled.7. The polymeric membrane according to wherein at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is multi-walled.8. The polymeric membrane according to wherein at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is carboxylated.9. The polymeric membrane according to wherein the super- ...

MICROFLUIDIC CELL FOR ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

A liquid cell for in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration is provided. The liquid cell includes a cantilever probe; a cantilever holder to position the probe near a surface of a sample (e.g., a filtration membrane); a liquid cell housing provided to hold the sample and comprising an opening at the top; an upper part; a lower part; an internal cavity to contain a fluid; a fluid inlet passage located in the upper part; a first fluid outlet passage located in the upper part; and a second fluid outlet passage located in the lower part. A method of in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration in a liquid by using the liquid cell described herein is also provided. 1. A liquid cell for in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample , the liquid cell comprising:a cantilever holder to position a cantilever probe near a surface of a sample;a lid part coupled to the cantilever holder;a liquid cell housing to hold the sample, the liquid cell housing includes a top surface defining an opening, an upper part, a lower part, and an internal cavity defined by the liquid cell housing to contain a fluid;the liquid cell housing further including a fluid inlet passage and a first fluid outlet passage both located in the upper part; and a second fluid outlet passage located in the lower part; andwherein, the liquid cell allows real-time and in situ observations and measurements of membrane properties and surface characteristic evolutions during filtration, fouling, and/or aging processes of the sample.2. The liquid cell of claim 1 , wherein the upper part and the lower part is separable by the sample claim 1 , and the internal cavity is separable by the sample to form an upper internal cavity above the sample and a lower internal cavity below the sample.3. The liquid cell of claim 1 , wherein the lid part further comprises an optical window claim 1 , through which a light beam transmits.4. The ...

SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD TO MANUFACTURE NANOBUBBLES

Systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing nanobubbles are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nanobubble generator system includes a medium, wherein in the medium is a liquid medium or a semi-liquid medium. A device is immersed in the medium. The device includes a ceramic membrane having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and pores extending through the membrane from the first surface to the second surface, and a hydrophobic porous coating layer disposed on the first surface of the membrane. The system includes a gas source for providing a gas to the medium. In operation, the gas enters pores on the second surface of the membrane and exits the coating layer in the form of nanobubbles. 1. A nanobubble generator system , comprising:a medium, wherein in the medium is a liquid medium or a semi-liquid medium; a ceramic membrane having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and pores extending through the membrane from the first surface to the second surface; and', 'a hydrophobic porous coating layer disposed on the first surface of the membrane; and, 'a device immersed in the medium, the device comprisinga gas source for providing a gas to the medium, wherein the gas enters pores on the second surface of the membrane and exits the coating layer in the form of nanobubbles.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second surface of the ceramic membrane defines a plenum having a first opening and second opening claim 1 , the plenum being fluidly coupled to the pores of the ceramic membrane at the second surface claim 1 , wherein the gas from the gas source enters the plenum at the first and second openings.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the medium includes at least one of water claim 1 , ethanol claim 1 , ionic liquids claim 1 , or oil.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the medium ranges from about 0.5 to about 1.3 mPa·s.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic coating layer at least one of stearic acid claim 1 , ...

SPHERICAL COMPOSITE POWDER

An example method of preparing spherical composite powders is provided. The method includes introducing one or more starting material powders into an agitation mill. The method includes introducing a process control agent into the agitation mill, the process control agent including at least two immiscible liquids. The method includes agitating and milling the one or more starting material powders and the process control agent with the agitation mill to produce substantially spherical composite powders. 1. A method of preparing spherical composite powders , the method comprising:introducing one or more starting material powders into an agitation mill;introducing a process control agent into the agitation mill, the process control agent including at least two immiscible liquids; andagitating and milling the one or more starting material powders and the process control agent with the agitation mill to produce substantially spherical composite powders.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the agitation mill is a ball mill claim 1 , and the method comprises introducing one or more milling balls as a milling media into the ball mill.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the one or more starting material powders and the process control agent are introduced into a milling vial of the ball mill.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two immiscible liquids are different from each other.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two immiscible liquids are selected from water and oil claim 1 , acetonitrile and hexane claim 1 , acetonitrile and heptane claim 1 , acetic acid and pentane claim 1 , or acetic acid and hexane.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein a first of the at least two immiscible liquids is polar claim 4 , and a second of the at least two immiscible liquids is non-polar.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the agitation mill is at least one of a shaker mill claim 1 , a planetary mill claim 1 , or an attritor mill.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein interaction ...

Compositions and Methods for Preparing Polymeric Films Loaded With Uniformly Distributed Drug Particles

The present disclosure provides improved film based pharmaceutical products containing uniformly distributed drug or active agent particles (e.g., to achieve improved/excellent dissolution control including enhancing dissolution and bioavailability and/or product uniformity). More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved systems/methods for fabricating film based pharmaceutical products by utilizing higher surface modified micronized drug or active agent powders and film forming precursors and drying methods that accomplish improved/efficient drying and provide improved/excellent content uniformity of active pharmaceutical agents in the fabricated film based pharmaceutical products. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an easier means of directly incorporating dry micronized poorly water-soluble drugs or active agent particles (e.g., fenofibrate (“FNB”)) into films. The present disclosure demonstrates some advantages of direct incorporation of surface modified-micronized poorly water-soluble drug or active agent powders in film manufacturing. 1. A method for fabricating a film based pharmaceutical product comprising:providing dry active agent particles;micronizing the dry active agent particles and surface modifying the dry active agent particles with a dry coating agent via dry milling to obtain micronized active agent particles surface coated with the coating agent, the micronized active agent particles surface coated with the coating agent in dry powder form;mixing the micronized active agent particles surface coated with the coating agent in dry powder form with at least one film forming precursor to form a mixture; anddrying and fabricating the mixture to form a film.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of micronizing the dry active agent particles and surface modifying the dry active agent particles with a dry coating agent via dry milling to obtain micronized active agent particles surface coated with the coating ...

Continuous Production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

The present invention is directed to a method of producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The method includes subjecting a reaction mixture with an API precursor to solvent extraction to produce a reactant stream with the API precursor. The method includes concentrating the API precursor in the reactant stream using at least one membrane. The method includes carrying out a reaction in a membrane reactor. The method includes separating the API precursor from the reaction stream using a separator. The method includes crystallizing the API precursor using a crystallizer to produce APIs. 1. A method of producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) , comprising:(a) subjecting a reaction mixture with an API precursor to solvent extraction to produce a reactant stream with the API precursor;(b) concentrating the API precursor in the reactant stream using at least one membrane;(c) carrying out a reaction in a membrane reactor;(d) separating the API precursor from the reaction stream using a separator; and(e) crystallizing the API precursor using a crystallizer to produce APIs.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of a reactor for performing step (a) claim 1 , the separator of step (d) claim 1 , or the crystallizer of step (e) is a membrane-based device.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising heating claim 1 , cooling claim 1 , and/or quenching of solutions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients using solid hollow fiber heat exchangers.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the heat exchangers are membrane-based.5. The method of claim 1 , comprising removing impurities from organic process streams using membrane adsorbers.6. A method for solvent exchange and nanofiltration or reverse osmosis claim 1 , comprising:(a) adding a solvent to a reaction mixture; and(b) removing preexisting solvent from the reaction mixture through a membrane by organic solvent nanofiltration or organic solvent reverse osmosis.7. A method to immobilize catalysts in pores of ...

System and Process for Hybrid Membrane Distillation-Pervaporation

A membrane distillation (MD) system consisting of a membrane module and carbon nanotube immobilized membrane for organic solvent separation is disclosed. The MD module includes a feed inlet and outlet, a sweep gas inlet, and a sweep gas outlet. Thermostats are positioned at the feed inlet and outlet to measure the change in temperature. Preferential sorption of the organic on carbon nanotube immobilized membrane contributes to enhanced solvent removal of the MD system. A pervaporation (PV) system consisting of a membrane module and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mixed matrix membranes with graphene oxide (GO)—carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for enhanced purification of the alcohol solution after membrane distillation to remove trace amount of water is disclosed. 1. A membrane distillation and pervaporation system , comprising (i) a membrane distillation system comprising a sweep gap membrane distillation module and a microwave unit , and (ii) a pervaporation system in fluid communication with the membrane distillation system , the pervaporation system comprising a membrane module and a liquid nitrogen trap.2. The membrane distillation and pervaporation system of claim 1 , wherein the microwave unit is configured to effect microwave irradiation of a feed solution.3. The membrane distillation and pervaporation system of claim 1 , wherein the liquid nitrogen trap is adapted to condense a permeated component.4. The membrane distillation and pervaporation system of claim 1 , wherein the membrane distillation system further comprises a feed inlet to receive an aqueous feed solution and a feed outlet claim 1 , a condensing medium inlet and outlet to obtain a condensing medium and to remove a stream of solvent vapor from the sweep gap membrane distillation module.5. The membrane distillation and pervaporation system of claim 4 , wherein the condensing medium is a sweep gas.6. The membrane distillation and pervaporation system of claim 1 , further comprising a flowmeter to measure a feed ...

STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for structural health monitoring in which a sensor network includes motes distributed with respect to a structure. The sensor network can utilize dynamic pattern matching to monitor and localize damage in the structure without modeling or solving equations of the engineered structure, and without ascertaining or separately accounting for extraneous and often-difficult-to-recognize or evaluate factors, such as of the environmental and stimuli-related variability type. 1. A method for monitoring the health of a structure , the method comprising:receiving, by a mote in wireless network of motes mechanically coupled to a structure, a sequence of index values from at least one other mote in the wireless network of motes, each index value in the sequence of index values being generated by a different one of the motes based on a measured statistical feature of vibrations in the structure;comparing the sequence of index values to stored sequences of index values that are stored by the mote; anddetermining, by the mote, whether the structure is damaged in response to results of comparing the sequence of index values to the stored sequences of index values.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:measuring the statistical feature of vibrations by the mote;mapping a value of the statistical feature to corresponding index value; andappending the corresponding index value to the sequence of index values.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the corresponding index value is appended to the sequence of index values prior to comparing the sequence of index values to the stored sequences of index values.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:transmitting the sequence of index values to a subsequent mote.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:comparing the sequence of index values to stored sequences of index values that are stored by the subsequent mote; anddetermining, by the subsequent ...

System and Method for Continuous Polymer Coating of Particles

The present disclosure relates to the field of polymer coating. The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods for continuous polymer coating of particles (e.g., nanoparticles). The present disclosure provides for a solid hollow fiber cooling crystallization (SHFCC) technique to continuously coat the nanoparticles with polymer. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure embraces continuous coating of particles from about 1 nm to about 10 microns. A polymer solution containing a suspension of submicron particles flows in the lumen of a solid polymeric hollow fiber, and controlled cooling of the polymer solution allows for polymer nucleation on the surface of the particles, and the precipitated polymer forms a thin film around the particles (the thickness of which can be varied depending on the operating conditions). The systems, methods and assemblies of the present disclosure are easily adaptable for coating nano-sized drug particles as well. 1. A method for coating particles comprising:a) providing a polymer solution containing a suspension of particles;b) flowing the polymer solution through a lumen of a hollow fiber; andc) passing a cooling fluid around the exterior of the hollow fiber to cool the polymer solution and allow for polymer nucleation on the particles, with precipitated polymer forming a film around the particles to form uniformly coated and free-flowing coated particles.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particles in the polymer solution have a particle size of about 1 nm to about 10 microns.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hollow fiber is a polymeric hollow fiber claim 1 , the polymeric hollow fiber having a solid non-porous and non-permeable wall that defines the lumen.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymer solution includes a copolymer of ethyl acrylate claim 1 , methyl methacrylate and a content of methacrylic acid ester.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymer solution includes Poly(D claim 1 ,L-lactide- ...

Electrospun Electroactive Polymers for Regenerative Medicine Applications

Due to the size and complexity of tissues such as the spinal cord and articular cartilage, specialized constructs incorporating cells as well as smart materials may be a promising strategy for achieving functional recovery. Aspects of the present invention describe the use of an electroactive, or piezoelectric, material that will act as a scaffold for stem cell induced tissue repair. Embodiments of the inventive material can also act alone as an electroactive scaffold for repairing tissues. The piezoelectric material of the present invention acts as a highly sensitive mechanoelectrical transducer that will generate charges in response to minute vibrational forces.

RADIATIVE TREATMENT OF LIQUIDS IN DESALINATION AND OTHER MEMBRANE PROCESSES

Radiative heating and radiative feed modification systems and methods using microwave, radio frequency, magnetic field and ultrasound in membrane separation processes including membrane distillation (MD), reverse osmosis, forward osmosis and pervaporation are disclosed. Membrane distillation systems include at least one MD module, the MD module having at least one membrane, a feed inlet operable to receive a feed media and a feed outlet, and a radiative energy source operable to apply radiation to a feed media entering the feed inlet. 1. A membrane distillation (MD) system comprising at least one MD module , the MD module comprising at least one membrane , a feed inlet operable to receive a feed media and a feed outlet; and a radiative energy source operable to apply radiation to a feed media entering the feed inlet.2. The MD system of claim 1 , wherein the radiative energy source is microwave claim 1 , radio frequency claim 1 , magnetic field or ultrasound generator.3. The MD system of claim 1 , wherein the radiative energy source is a microwave generator.4. The MD system of wherein the radiative energy source is a chamber and the at least one MD module is positioned in the chamber.5. The MD system of wherein the chamber is a microwave radiation chamber.6. The MD system of wherein the at least one MD module is positioned in a central location of the chamber.7. The MD system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one MD module is selected from the group consisting of a hollow fiber membrane module claim 1 , a flat membrane module and a spiral wound membrane module.8. The MD system of wherein the at least one MD module is selected from the group consisting of a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) module claim 1 , a sweep gas membrane distillation (SGMD) module claim 1 , a vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) module and an air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) module.9. The MD system of further comprising a temperature controlled bath coupled to the at least one MD ...

Relative Quantitation Using Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry

A method for relative quantification of organic and biological compounds by electrochemical mass spectrometry is disclosed. The method involves using electrochemistry (EC) in a mass spectrometry (MS)-based relative quantitative analysis. In this method, isotope-labeled standards or running calibration curves are not employed. A quantification method could include the steps of subjecting a sample analyte to liquid chromatography or electrophoresis separation, followed by an electrochemical oxidation or reduction in an electrochemical cell, and then mass spectrometric detection. 1. A method for determining relative quantity of a target compound in a plurality of samples , the method comprising:applying a first potential to an electrochemical cell;passing a first sample containing the target compound through the electrochemical cell;quantifying a first change in an electrochemical current signal flowing through the electrochemical cell;applying a second potential to the electrochemical cell;passing a second sample containing the target compound through the electrochemical cell;quantifying a second change in the electrochemical current signal flowing through the electrochemical cell; anddetermining a ratio of the first change in the electrochemical current signal and the second change in the electrochemical current signal.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the potential comprises oxidative potential claim 1 , reductive potential or a combination thereof.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the potential comprises direct current potential and a pulsed mode potential.4. The method of further comprising:applying a third potential to the electrochemical cell;passing a third sample containing the target compound through the electrochemical cell;quantifying a third change in the electrochemical current signal flowing through the electrochemical cell; anddetermining a ratio of (i) the first change in the electrochemical current signal and the third change in the electrochemical ...

PACKETED ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS

Methods and apparatus for packetized energy distribution are provided. A data and power delivery network, called a digital grid, is provided to facilitate delivery of power upon request. Energy bits (quanta) serve as a means to deliver energy as well as coding. Voltage pulses of varying time scales are used for coding and current levels help to accurately meet customer's demand. Energy is sent as packets (a combination of energy bits), and specific energy packets are addressed to specific customers permitting accurate monitoring and distribution of electrical energy. 1. A method of processing a request for energy comprising assigning an address to a customer premises , storing the address at a first node of an electric power grid , receiving at the first node a request for energy , associating the request for energy with the address , transmitting the request to a second node , aggregating at the second node the request for energy with a first group of further requests for energy , forwarding the aggregated energy requests to a power provider , evaluating at least one energy source from which to route energy to the customer premises , obtaining a link state from energy sources that are able to fulfill the request , and securing a path for energy to reach the address.2. The method according to wherein the link state is selected from delay claim 1 , availability claim 1 , and/or pricing.3. The method according to wherein the step of obtaining the link state is combined with the step of sending a power request to a node that holds the customer address.4. The method according to further comprising selecting a source to fulfill the request for energy claim 1 , sending a grant to the customer claim 1 , and sending energy to the customer.5. The method according to comprising determining whether an acknowledgment receipt is received from a customer claim 1 , and determining whether energy delivery should continue or terminate.6. A method of offsetting power fluctuation in ...

Biomarker detection and self-separation of serum during capillary flow

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are utilized to detect diseases and minimize false negative/positive scenarios. MIPs are implemented on a nano-electric circuit in a biochip where interactions of MIPs and an Antigen/Antibody (AG/AB) are detected, and disease specific biomarkers diagnosed. Biomarker detection is achieved with interdigitated gold electrodes in a biochip's microchannel. Capacitance changes due to biomarker interaction with AG/AB electrode coating diagnose diseases in a microfluidic environment. Biofluid passes through the microchannel and exposed to the nanocircuit to generate a capacitance difference and diagnose any specific disease in the biofluid sample. Blood capillary flow in a microchannel curved section experience centrifugal forces that separate liquid from solid. Various blood densities and segments experience different centrifugal effects while flowing through the curved section so serum is separated from various solid matter without using external devices.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEMOSTATIC WOUND DRESSING

The present invention relates a novel hemostatic wound dressing, preferably comprising chitosan and an oxygen carrier such as a perfluorocarbon, and methods to treat hemorrhaging wounds and MRSA infections. The present invention helps with coagulation/clot formation as well as providing oxygen to the wound, all while being cost effective and competitive with current hemostatic dressings. 1. A hemostatic wound dressing which comprises chitosan and an oxygen carrier.2. The wound dressing of wherein the chitosan is electrospun into a nano-fiber mat.3. The wound dressing of wherein the chitosan is force spun into a nano-fiber mat.4. The wound dressing of which is a packing gauze.5. The wound dressing of which comprises chitosan and an oxygen carrier.6. The wound dressing of which is an orthopedic bandage.7. The wound dressing of which comprises chitosan claim 6 , an oxygen carrier and an adhesive backing.8. The wound dressing of wherein the oxygen carrier is a perfluorocarbon.9. The wound dressing of wherein the perfluorocarbon is selected from the group of perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) claim 8 , perfluorodecalin claim 8 , bis(perfluorohexyl)ethane claim 8 , perfluorotripropylamine claim 8 , perfluorooctylbromide and bis(perfluorobutyl)ethane).10. The wound dressing of wherein the perfluorocarbon is PFTBA.11. A method of treating a hemorrhaging wound which comprises packing the wound with the wound dressing comprising chitosan and an oxygen carrier.12. A method of preventing a MRSA infection by bandaging the wound with a wound dressing of the invention. This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/757,195, filed Jan. 27, 2013.The present invention relates a novel hemostatic wound dressing. The present invention helps with coagulation/clot formation as well as providing oxygen to the wound, all while being cost effective and competitive with current hemostatic dressings.Nearly a quarter of the 4,596 combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan ...

MANAGEMENT OF BANDWIDTH EFFICIENCY AND FAIRNESS IN CLOUD COMPUTING

Technologies are generally described to manage bandwidth efficiency and fairness in cloud computing. According to some examples, bottleneck links may be determined in a network connecting communication device pairs. A first bandwidth allocation may be determined of a first subset of the communication device pairs communicating through the bottleneck links. A second bandwidth allocation may be determined of a second subset of the communication device pairs unable to communicate through the bottleneck links. Then, the first bandwidth may be adjusted based on an analysis of the first bandwidth, the second bandwidth, a first weight attribute associated with the first subset and a second weight attribute associated with the second subset. 1. A method to manage bandwidth efficiency and fairness in cloud computing , the method comprising:determining bottleneck links in a network connecting communication device pairs;determining a first bandwidth allocation of a first subset of the communication device pairs communicating through the bottleneck links;determining a second bandwidth allocation of a second subset of the communication device pairs unable to communicate through the bottleneck links; andadjusting the first bandwidth based on an analysis of the first bandwidth, the second bandwidth, a first weight attribute associated with the first subset and a second weight attribute associated with the second subset.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bottleneck links include at least one from a set of a core link claim 1 , an aggregate link claim 1 , and a rack link.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the core link is a parent link of the aggregate link claim 2 , and the aggregate link is another parent link of the rack link.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first bandwidth allocation and the second bandwidth allocation include a core bandwidth allocation claim 1 , an aggregate bandwidth allocation claim 1 , and a rack bandwidth allocation.5. The method of claim 4 , ...

Self-Assembling Multi-Domain Peptide Based Hydrogels

An injectable peptide-based hydrogel is disclosed that incorporates a peptide inhibitor of proprotein convertase subtilisn/kexin type 9. The hydrogel is a polymer composed of the 13-amino-acid protein, Pep2-8, (TVFTSWEEYLDWV) attached to a self-assembling peptide of the ABA block structure (ESLSLSLSLSLSLEG) to generate the repeating multidomain peptide sequence (ESLSLSLSLSLSLEGTVFTSWEEYLDWV). 1. A self-assembled , multidomain , peptide-based hydrogel capable of inhibiting serine protease for reduction of cholesterol levels , comprising a first domain , a second domain , third domain , and a fourth domain wherein:{'sub': 'n', 'the first domain is (X)where X is a negatively or positively charged amino acid, and the magnitude of n is less than or equal to 4, wherein the first domain is positioned at both the N-terminal and the C-terminal of the second domain;'}{'sub': 'n′', 'the second domain is (YZ) where Y is a hydrophilic amino acid and Z is a hydrophobic amino acid or where Y is a hydrophobic amino acid and Z is a hydrophilic amino acid and n′ is 2 to 7;'}the third domain is a spacer; andthe fourth domain is a bioactive peptide sequence.2. The composition of wherein X is selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid claim 1 , aspartic acid claim 1 , arginine claim 1 , histidine claim 1 , and lysine.3. The composition of wherein the second domain hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of alanine claim 1 , valine claim 1 , leucine claim 1 , glycine claim 1 , isoleucine claim 1 , tryptophan claim 1 , tyrosine claim 1 , phenylalanine claim 1 , proline claim 1 , methionine claim 1 , and cysteine; and the second domain hydrophilic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of serine claim 1 , tyrosine claim 1 , threonine claim 1 , asparagine claim 1 , and glutamine.4. The composition of wherein Y is serine and Z is leucine and n′ is 6.5. The composition of wherein the spacer is selected from the group consisting of aminohexanoic acid ...

BROADBAND CIRCULARLY POLARIZED BENT-DIPOLE BASED ANTENNAS

Technologies are presented for providing circularly polarized antenna topologies based on multiple bent-dipole elements over a ground plane configuration. In some examples, Moxon based cross radiating elements may be fed through a hybrid 90° quadrature coupler. The radiating element may be widened and tapered relative to a standard bent-dipole configuration forming bow tie structures with approximately 90° bends to achieve broadband operation. The tapered branches may be split into two sub-branches and the bend angle increased to further increase bandwidth and gain of the antenna. 1. A broadband , circularly polarized , bent-dipole based antenna , comprising:two or more bent-dipole based radiating elements, wherein the radiatingelements have a tapered cross-sectional shape and each radiating element is widened in a tapered manner relative to a thin-element bent-dipole;a common input for the two or more radiating elements; anda ground plane at an approximately equal distance from the radiating elements.2. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the common input includes a hybrid 90° quadrature coupler.3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the radiating elements are in a configuration forming a bow tie structure with approximately 90° bends to achieve broadband operation.6. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the tapered radiating elements include a split forming two sub-branches on each radiating element.7. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein a bend angle of each radiating element is increased to further increase a bandwidth and a gain of the antenna.8. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of:the tapered widening of each radiating element is defined by a width of each radiating element at a coupling location with the common input and a taper angle;a wedge tip of each radiating element is moved toward a z-axis to shift a central frequency of the antenna lower and to reduce an antenna bandwidth;a ...

Porous Hollow Fiber Anti-Solvent Crystallization-Based Continuous Method of Polymer Coating on Submicron and Nanoparticles

Using porous hollow fiber membranes, systems/methods for continuously synthesizing polymer-coated particles by anti-solvent crystallization are provided. The disclosed systems/methods provide for synthesis of polymer-coated drug particles/crystals from solutions of the polymer and the drug particles in suspension by exposing the solution to an anti-solvent through a porous hollow fiber device. A feed solution of a coating polymer with suspended drug particles can be exposed to an anti-solvent through hollow fiber pores, thereby causing the polymer to precipitate on and coat the drug particles. In addition, a feed solution of a coating polymer with drug in solution can be exposed to an anti-solvent through hollow fiber pores, thereby causing the drug to crystallize from the solution and the polymer to precipitate/coat the drug. Results indicate that a uniformly coated, free-flowing product may be developed in this advantageous porous hollow fiber anti-solvent crystallization method. The coated drug particles can be used for controlled release of the drug, and the molecule and the crystal structure are not affected by the process. 1. A method for coating a material , comprising:a) providing a polymer solution containing a polymer and a material to be coated by the polymer;b) passing the polymer solution around an exterior of a hollow fiber; andc) passing an anti-solvent through a lumen of the hollow fiber so that the anti-solvent permeates through pores of the hollow fiber and travels to the exterior of the hollow fiber and exposes the anti-solvent to the polymer solution, thereby causing the polymer to precipitate on the material, with precipitated polymer forming a coating on the material.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material is suspended in the polymer solution.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material is in solution in the polymer solution claim 1 , and wherein the material precipitates from the polymer solution in response to exposure to the anti- ...

Methods And Devices For High-Capacity Flexible, Printable, and Conformal Periodate and Iodate Batteries

Development of a flexible battery based on periodate/iodate-zinc system is disclosed. HPO—KCl dual quasi-solid electrolytes separated by an anion-exchange-membrane maintain the desired pH in electrodes and block unwanted ion movements. Poly(acrylic acid) fortifies the electrodes, enhances electrode flexibility, and avoids the free-flow of liquids. The NaMnIOshows a specific capacity of 650 mAg, approximately 81% of its theoretical capacity even when cells are bent. The overall technology is scalable by printing methods. 1. A flexible battery comprising:a plurality of current collectors including a positive current collector and a negative current collector;an insoluble solid iodate or a periodate cathode, and an anode, wherein the cathode is in communication with the positive current collector and the anode is in communication with the negative current collector;at least one electrolyte forming a cathode electrolyte and an anode electrolyte, wherein the cathode is in communication with the cathode electrolyte and the anode is in communication with the anode electrolyte;a separator for separating the cathode and the anode; andat least one of the cathode electrolyte or the anode electrolyte is embedded in a polymer for enhancement of electrode flexibility and avoidance of free-flow of liquid electrolyte.2. The flexible battery of claim 1 , wherein the cathode electrolyte and the anode electrolyte are different electrolytes.3. The flexible battery of claim 2 , wherein the cathode electrolyte and/or the anode electrolyte are a dual quasi-solid polymer-based electrolytes.4. The flexible battery of claim 3 , wherein the polymer is a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and the cathode is a sodium manganese periodate (NaMnIO) cathode with a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-phosphoric acid (HPO) layer as the cathode electrolyte claim 3 , and the anode electrolyte is a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-potassium chloride layer to form the dual quasi-solid electrolytes.5. The flexible battery of claim 3 ...

Nanocarbon Immobilized Membrane for Bacterial Deactivation and Endotoxin Removal Via Membrane Distillation

Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) was used to generate high purity water from bacteria and endotoxin-contaminated water. The DCMD system includes a nanocarbon-coated membrane. Exemplary nanocarbon-coated membranes include a layer of carbon nanotubes immobilized relative to a polytetrafluorethylene surface (CNIM), a layer of carboxylate functionalized carbon nanotubes immobilized in the PTFE (CNIM-COOH), and a layer of graphene oxide immobilized in the PTFE (GOIM). The nanocarbon-immobilized membranes are effective in generating ultrapure, medical grade water. 1. A membrane distillation system , comprising a direct contact membrane distillation module that includes a nanocarbon-coated membrane sized to generate high purity water.2. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon-coated membrane is a carbon nanotube-immobilized membrane.3. The membrane distillation system of claim 2 , wherein the carbon nanotube-immobilized membrane comprises carboxylate functionalized carbon nanotubes.4. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon-coated membrane is a graphene oxide-immobilized membrane.5. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon-coated membrane comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene surface and nanocarbons immobilized relative to the polytetrafluoroethylene surface.6. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon-coated membrane comprises carbon nanotubes having a diameter of 1 nm to 100 nm.7. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon-coated membrane comprises carbon nanotubes having a length of 1 to 25 μm.8. A method to remove mesophilic and thermophilic bacterial cells and endotoxins from a feedstream claim 1 , comprising the steps of:providing a direct contact membrane distillation module having a nanocarbon-coated membrane;passing the feedstream that includes at least one of mesophilic bacterial cells, thermophilic bacterial cells ...

CONCEALED FASTENER WINDOW OR CURTAIN WALL ASSEMBLIES

Window or curtain wall assemblies and concealed window fastening assemblies are disclosed. Each window panel includes two layers of glass or other material separated by a spacing mullion, which lines the perimeter of the window panel to create a sealed chamber. The depth of the sealed chamber between the two layers is variable to accommodate either thermal requirements, vertical and horizontal structural loads, or both. The chamber reduces heat loss due to convection allowing it to outperform current double or triple glazing window walls. Each chamber can connect through tubes to allow for air or gas transfer to enhance thermal performance and create the potential for other functional and aesthetic effects. When the window panels are assembled, the latching mechanism structurally unifies each panel to become a single monolithic surface that can also account for thermal expansion. Elements of the latching mechanism are arranged to allow the window or curtain wall to be assembled from the interior, leaving only caulking to be performed from the exterior. Concealing all of such elements helps eliminate the exposure of window mullions and minimizes maintenance of the window or curtain wall. 1. A window panel fastening assembly comprising a first and second mullion , each mullion comprising opposing mounting surfaces configured to be mounted to sheets of material , an air chamber-facing surface and an open side opposite the air chamber-facing surface , and opposing grooves disposed therein , wherein the first and second mullions are positioned with open sides facing each other mullions; locking brackets coupled to the grooves of the first and second mullions; and a rod positioned between the locking brackets , wherein the window panel fastening assembly is operable to fasten adjacent panels to each other.2. The invention of wherein the locking brackets have a generally U-shaped cross section.3. The invention according to wherein at least one of the locking brackets ...

Enhanced Sensitivity And Specificity For Point-Of-Care (POC) Micro Biochip

An apparatus and method to detect disease-specific antigens assists in disease diagnosis. Point-of-care (POC) micro biochip incorporates at least one hydrophilic microchannel for controlled and self-driven flow of body fluid. Metallic nano-interdigitated electrodes disposed within the channels give enhanced sensitivity detection. Microchannel controls flow and amplifies a capillary effect. Electrodes are fabricated on microchannel surface to detect biomolecular interactions. When a sample flows through microchannel, disease-specific antigens from the sample form antigen-antibody complex with antibodies immobilized on electrodes. Antigen-antibody interaction is detected via an electrical change in the biochip's nano circuit. Each electrode may include a different antibody to detect different antigens. Capacitance during antigen-antibody interaction without microfluidic flow is higher than with microfluidic flow due to immobilized antibodies instability on sensing surface caused by shear stress. POC biochip provides nano level detection of many disease-specific antigens of any type based on micro volume or single drop sized sample. 1. A biochip device for disease diagnostics , comprisinga point-of-care (POC) micro biochip having at least one hydrophilic microchannel for controlled and self-driven flow of at least one source sample of a bodily fluid and amplify a capillary effect;a plurality of metallic nano interdigitated electrodes (IDE) disposed within the microchannel for at least providing enhanced sensitivity detection of a disease state, and the electrodes having at least one type of antibody disposed thereon; anda nano circuit incorporated in the biochip wherein a disease-specific antigen from the sample forms an antigen-antibody complex interaction that affects electrical properties detected via an electrical change in the nano circuit.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the microchannel is designed in a geometric pattern.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the ...

Coupled High and Low-Frequency Ultrasound Systems and Methods for Remediation of Contaminated Solids

Systems and methods to remediate, degrade, and/or remove pollutants within various contaminated environmental solid media that includes contaminated soils and sediments, biosolids and slurries by subjecting a mixture of the contaminated solids and a liquid to acoustic cavitation generated by more than one type of ultrasonic device. One of the ultrasonic devices operates at a low frequency and the other ultrasonic device operates at a high frequency. The system advantageously provide an efficient, sustainable, and easy to handle approach to degrade contaminant, requiring only electrical energy 1. A system to remediate contaminants from solids , comprising:a first type of ultrasonic device configured to emit ultrasonic energy at a first frequency to mix a liquid with contaminated solid particles and to mechanically detach or ultrasonically desorb contaminants from the contaminated solid particles; anda second type of ultrasonic device configured to emit ultrasonic energy at a second frequency to initiate, via oxidation by free radicals and pyrolysis, sonochemical degradation of the contaminants that are detached or desorbed from contaminated solid particles, the second frequency being greater than the first frequency.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second type of ultrasonic device is configured to emit the ultrasonic energy at the second frequency at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the ultrasonic energy emitted at the first frequency by the first type of ultrasonic device.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a pair of the second type of ultrasonic device, the pair being opposingly spaced and facing each other to emit ultrasonic energy towards each other.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first type of ultrasonic device is energized for a first period of time and the second type of ultrasonic device is energized for a second period of time after the first type of ultrasonic device is energized for the first period of time.5. The system of ...

Allocation of virtual machines to physical machines through dominant resource assisted heuristics

Technologies are generally described to allocation of virtual machines to physical machines through dominant resource assisted heuristics. According to some examples, multiple virtual machines (VMs) may be clustered to two or more unallocated VM clusters according to a dominant resource requirement associated with each of the VMs. The VMs may be sorted according to a size attribute associated with the dominant resource requirement. Multiple physical machines (PMs) may be sorted according to a power efficiency attribute associated with each of the PMs. One of the PMs may be selected from an ordered list of PMs based on the power efficiency attribute. One of the VMs may be selected from another ordered list of PMs based on the size attribute. The selected VM may then be allocated to the selected PM.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMATION OF THIN FILMS WITH SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYERS EMBEDDED ON THEIR SURFACES

The present invention relates to a method for the formation of virtually defect-free monolayers of particles with long-range order. The technique involves assembling the monolayer of particles on the interface between a solidifiable liquid and a fluid, which can be air or another liquid, ordering the particles using an electric field and then solidifying the former, e.g., by applying UV light. The monolayer becomes embedded on the surface of the solidified film. The monolayers can be coated onto the surface of materials to optimize their mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties. 1. A film with a monolayer of particles with long range order embedded on its surface.2. The film of which is a resin that has been cured by UV light.3. The film of wherein the particles are selected from glass claim 2 , silica claim 2 , polystyrene claim 2 , steel or salt crystals.4. The film of wherein the particles are from about 100 nm to about 100 μm in diameter.5. A process for producing a film with a monolayer of particles with long range order embedded on its surface which comprisesplacing particles in a fluid-fluid interface,applying an ac or dc electric field in the direction normal to the interface,forming a monolayer of particles,embedding the monolayer of particles on the surface of one of the fluids of the fluid-fluid interface, andremoving the remaining fluid.6. The process of wherein the fluid on which the monolayer is embedded is a solidifiable fluid.7. The process of wherein the fluid on which the monolayer is embedded is a UV curable resin.8. The process of wherein the second fluid of the fluid-fluid interface is selected from air claim 4 , silicone oil claim 4 , or corn oil.9. The process of wherein the particles are deagglomerated before the electric field is applied.10. The process of wherein the particles are dissolvable so that regular pores are created in the film after the particles are dissolved or removed from the film. This application claims the ...

Association through green energy and latency awareness in wireless networks

Technologies are generally described to provide a distributed scheme that enables a Green-energy Aware and the Latency Aware (GALA) user-base station (BS) associations in wireless networks, whose BSs are powered by both on-grid energy and green energy. According to some examples, the GALA approach may consider traffic delivery latency and green energy generation rate in BSs to determine the user-BS association. The GALA approach may converge to a particular solution, which may reduce the summation of the weighted latency ratios of BSs, while enabling a trade-off between the on-grid power consumption and the average traffic delivery latency

Method, System, and Apparatus for Treatment of Binocular Dysfunctions

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for vision therapy. In exemplary embodiments a visual therapy game can be rendered on one or more displays and the visual therapy game can be controlled by eye movements of the user. Visual stimuli incorporated in the visual therapy game can be rendered to facilitate vergence eye movements for the treatment of binocular dysfunctions. 1. A method for remediating visual symptoms in a user with binocular dysfunction , the method comprising:rendering a visual therapy video game on one or more displays; andcontrolling accommodative and proximal vergence stimulation of a user's eyes via the visual therapy video game.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the visual therapy video game is rendered by a head mounted display with integrated eye tracking hardware and software.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:stimulating a preprogrammed portion of disparity vergence; andlimiting a feedback portion of disparity vergence.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:asymmetrical stimulating to a left eye or a right eye of the user via the visual therapy video game based on peak velocity differences between the left and right eyes.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein a magnitude of asymmetrical stimulation is derived from a position of the left and right eyes.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the magnitude of asymmetrical stimulation dynamically changes to limit visual suppression.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the visual therapy video game is a virtual reality video game.8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:detecting real-time physical eye movements of the left and right eyes of the user; andusing the real-time physical eye movements of the left and right eyes of the user as inputs for the visual therapy video game.9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:determining a point in a three-dimensional virtual reality space to which the user's left and right eyes are ...

TRADING SPECTRUM FOR ENERGY SAVINGS IN GREEN COGNITIVE CELLULAR NETWORKS

Technologies are generally described for reducing overall power consumption of a wireless network such as a cellular network through spectrum trading. According to some examples, spectrum may be shared between primary base stations (PBSs) and secondary base stations (SBSs) to reduce a power consumption of PBSs and increase the spectral efficiency of cellular networks. A PBS may share a portion of its licensed bandwidth with SBSs, to provide data services to primary users (Pus) within SBSs' coverage area. Due to their proximity to the PUs, the SBSs may satisfy the PUs' quality of service (QoS) requirements by utilizing a portion of the allocated bandwidth. Thus, PBSs may reduce their power consumption by offloading some of the PUs to SBSs. Because the SBSs typically use lower power compared to the PBS, the overall power consumption of the network may be reduced as well. 1. A method for reducing power consumption in cellular communication networks through spectrum trading , the method comprising:determining a group of primary users (PUs) that are not associated with a primary base station (PBS) or a secondary base station (SBS);determining a power-bandwidth ratio for one of the PUs within the group by dividing a PBS transmission power needed to serve the PU by a bandwidth needed by a SBS to serve the PU;determining whether a power consumption of the PBS is reduced by having the PU associated with the SBS based on the power-bandwidth ratio; andif the power consumption is reduced associating the PU with the SBS, else associating the PU with the PBS.2. (canceled)3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:categorizing PUs within a service area of the PBS into a first group of PUs associated with the PBS, a second group of PUs associated with the SBS, and a third group of PUs that are not associated with the PBS or the SBS.4. The method according to claim 3 , further comprising:categorizing the PUs based on a location and a QoS need of each PU.5. The method ...

Articular Cartilage Mimetics

A scaffold for promoting cartilage formation is provided that includes a crosslinked electrospun fiber, wherein the crosslinked electrospun fiber consists essentially of crosslinked gelatin. The crosslinked electrospun fiber is generally crosslinked with a crosslinker, and the crosslinker may be diisosorbide bisepoxide. The crosslinked electrospun fiber may be crosslinked by adding a crosslinker to a solution of gelatin at a desired concentration. The electrospun fiber may advantageously remain intact for 18 days or longer upon being immersed in an aqueous solution. A composition for promoting cartilage formation is also provided that includes the disclosed scaffold and a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). The disclosed scaffold may include a crosslinked electrospun fiber that includes gelatin and sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS), e.g., in an amount of up to 5% by weight of the amount of gelatin. A method for promoting cartilage formation is also provided that includes administering to a subject in need thereof a disclosed composition for promoting cartilage formation in the subject. 1. A mimetic of articular cartilage comprising: a crosslinked electrospun fiber comprising gelatin, wherein the fiber is formed into an electrospun mat that defines a volume; and', 'a crosslinked hydrogel comprising gelatin and sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) in the amount of 5-20% by weight of the amount of gelatin,, 'a fiber reinforced composite hydrogel of'}wherein the crosslinked hydrogel has been cast and allowed to gel prior to combination with the electrospun mat;wherein the crosslinked hydrogel has been combined with the crosslinked electrospun fiber so as to occupy the volume of the electrospun mat, andwherein the crosslinked hydrogel and the electrospun mat are not crosslinked together in the fiber reinforced composite hydrogel.2. The mimetic of claim 1 , wherein the electrospun fiber comprises NaCS.3. The mimetic of claim 2 , wherein the electrospun fiber further comprises NaCS in ...

BIOREMEDIATION OF 1,4-DIOXANE AND CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS BY PROPANOTROPHIC BACTERIA

Methods of removing dioxane and optionally one or more CAHs such as 1,1-DCE, cis-1,2-DCE, trans-1,2-DCE, 1,2-DCA, 1,1-DCA, VC, and TCE from a liquid medium contaminated therewith include applying a feedstream of propane to the liquid medium in the presence of at least one propanotrophic bacteria strain selected from sp. DD4 (DD4) and sp. DT1 (DT1). Propane, 1-propanol and/or 1-butanol may be employed as substrates in the bioaugmentation of the propanotrophic bacteria strain. 1AzoarcusMycobacterium. A method of removing dioxane and optionally one or more CAHs selected from 1 ,1-DCE , cis-1 ,2-DCE , trans-1 ,2-DCE , 1 ,2-DCA , 1 ,1-DCA , VC , and TCE from a liquid medium contaminated therewith comprising applying a feedstream of propane to the liquid medium in the presence of at least one propanotrophic bacteria strain selected from sp. DD4 (DD4) and sp. DT1 (DT1).2. The method of comprising introducing DD4 or DT1 to the liquid medium.3. The method of comprising monitoring the level(s) of one or more of the dioxane and CAHs present in the liquid medium during the course of application of propane at selected intervals to determine the presence claim 1 , absence claim 1 , or level of at least one of the dioxane or CAHs in the liquid medium.4. The method of comprising measuring the level of the propanotrophic bacteria strain present in the liquid medium.5. The method of wherein the propanotrophic bacteria strain is DD4.6. The method of wherein the DD4 is operable to remove dioxane and optionally one or more of the CAHs 1 claim 5 ,1-DCE claim 5 , cis-1 claim 5 ,2-DCE claim 5 , 1 claim 5 ,2-DCA claim 5 , and VC from the liquid medium.7. The method of comprising applying propane to the liquid medium until the dioxane and or one or more of the CAHs 1 claim 6 ,1-DCE claim 6 , cis-1 claim 6 ,2-DCE claim 6 , 1 claim 6 ,2-DCA claim 6 , and VC are present at or below a preselected limit.8. The method of wherein the propanotrophic bacteria strain is DT1.9. The method of wherein ...

Method, System and Apparatus for Diagnostic Assessment and Screening of Binocular Dysfunctions

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus to objectively assess binocular dysfunction for screening, diagnoses, and evaluation of vision/oculomotor function before, during, and after various forms of therapeutic interventions. Systems and methods of the present disclosure diagnose and assess binocular dysfunction objectively and automatically, can render a visual stimulus on one or more displays, and can control accommodative and proximal vergence stimulation of a user's eyes. 1. A system for observing oculomotor function of a user , the system comprising:a head mounted display configured to generate a stereoscopic effect viewable by the user; render visual stimulus with the head mounted display;', 'adjust the visual stimulus to elicit a response from a visual system of the user;', 'objectively measure a plurality of oculomotor characteristics of the user based on the response; and', 'generate an oculomotor function assessment by combining the plurality of oculomotor characteristics., 'a computing system in communication with the head mounted display, the computing system interacting with the head mounted display to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the head mounted display is configured to measure movement of the user's eyes and transmit the measure of movement to the computing system.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the computing system adjusts the visual stimulus based on the measure of eye movement.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the computing system objectively measures the plurality of oculomotor characteristics based on the measure of eye movement.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of oculomotor characteristics includes at least one of the near point of convergence claim 1 , dissociated and associated phoria claim 1 , fixation disparity saccades claim 1 , smooth pursuit claim 1 , binocular endurance claim 1 , eye movement adaptation claim 1 , fusional range claim 1 , or vergence facility.6. ...

Insulin-Mimetic Composite for Bone Repair

The present disclosure generally relates to a composite scaffold containing insulin-mimetic materials for healing bone defects (e.g., bone repair). In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fibrous composite containing a synthetic polymer, nanoceramic and a vanadium salt to improve the healing of bone defects. 1. A composite scaffold capable of supporting cell and tissue growth comprising:(i) a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer is formed into a plurality of fibers;(ii) at least one nanoceramic; and(iii) an insulin-mimetic compound,wherein the scaffold contains about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt % of the insulin-mimetic compound.2. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , further comprising mesenchymal stem cells.3. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , further comprising whole bone marrow.4. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the synthetic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid claim 1 , poly L-lactic acid claim 1 , polyglycolic acid claim 1 , polylactic co-glycolic acid claim 1 , poly ε-caprolactone claim 1 , poly methacrylate co-n-butyl methacrylate claim 1 , poly dimethyl siloxane claim 1 , polyethylene oxide and combinations thereof.5. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the synthetic polymer is poly ε-caprolactone.6. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold contains about 65 to about 75 wt % of the synthetic polymer.7. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the at least one nanoceramic is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy apatite claim 1 , tricalcium phosphate claim 1 , biphasic calcium phosphate claim 1 , calcium carbonate claim 1 , calcium sulfate claim 1 , bioactive glass claim 1 , biphasic bioceramic and combinations thereof.8. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the at least one nanoceramic is a biphasic bioceramic hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate.9. The composite scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold contains about 25 to about 35 wt % of the at least one ...

Nanoparticle Depot For Controlled And Sustained Gene Delivery

One aspect of the disclosure describes a lipid conjugated cationic molecule. Other aspects of the disclosure describes nanoparticle delivery systems and methods of making the systems are disclosed. An embodiment of the nanoparticle delivery system has sustained gene delivery properties, the nanoparticle delivery system can be synthesized using biodegradable and biocompatible polymers via self-assembly. The nanoparticle delivery system comprises a plurality of nanoparticle depots, each of which has a particle-in-particle structure, and is composed of a polymeric nanoparticle, which encapsulates cationic molecule/nucleic acid complexes, facilitating enhanced retention and prolonged release of the gene payload. The polymeric nanoparticle comprises a shell, and a nanocomplex of the cationic molecule and a polynucleotide, the nanocomplexes are distributed within the shell and/or embedded in the shell. Another embodiment of the nanoparticle delivery system has one or more nanocomplexes. The one or more nanocomplexes includes a lipid conjugated cationic molecule and a polynucleotide. 1. A nanoparticle delivery system comprising a plurality of nanoparticle depots , each of the nanoparticle depots comprising:a polymeric nanoparticle comprising a shell encapsulating a core; andone or more nanocomplexes within the polymeric nanoparticle, the nanocomplex comprising a cationic molecule and a polynucleotide.2. The nanoparticle delivery system of that is effective for sustained release of the polynucleotide.3. The nanoparticle delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the cationic molecule comprises: a poly (β-amino ester) (PBAE) claim 1 , a poly (ethylenimine) (pEI) claim 1 , a poly (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) claim 1 , a poly-L-lysine (pLL) claim 1 , or derivatives claim 1 , or conjugates thereof.4. The nanoparticle delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the cationic molecule comprises a lipid conjugated cationic molecule.5. The nanoparticle delivery system of claim 4 ...

NANOPROBE AND METHODS OF USE

A device for determining the presence of a single cell and/or determining a state of a single cell includes a first nanotube disposed on a first electrode, and a second nanotube disposed on a second electrode, wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at a length that is smaller than a cell size to be detected. A method for determining the presence of a single biological cell includes sensing impedance between a first nanotube and a second nanotube. A method of manufacturing includes providing a nanotube, providing an electrode coated with an insulating material, wherein an aperture is defined in the insulating material through to the electrode, and using electrophoresis deposition to deposit a nanotube within the aperture and in electrical communication with the electrode. 1. A device for determining the presence of a single cell and/or determining a state of a single cell , comprising:a first nanotube disposed on a first electrode; anda second nanotube disposed on a second electrode, wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at a length that is smaller than a cell size to be detected.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at about 1 micron.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at less than about 1 micron.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode and second electrodes are connected to a CMOS circuit.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein each electrode is coated with an insulating layer having at least one aperture for each nanotube to be housed therein.6. The device of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the nanotubes rises higher off at least one of the electrodes than the insulating layer is thick.7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the aperture is substantially cylindrical and is about 44 nanometers in diameter claim 6 , wherein the insulating layer and the aperture are about 75 nanometers in thickness.8. A method claim 6 , comprising: ...

Nano Carbon Immobilized Membranes for Selective Membrane Distillation

A membrane distillation (MD) system includes a membrane module and reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube immobilized membrane for organic solvent separation. The MD module could include a feed inlet and outlet, a sweep gas inlet, and a sweep gas outlet. Thermostats are positioned at the feed inlet and outlet to measure the change in temperature. Preferential sorption of the organic, specifically tetrahydrofuran (THF), on a hybrid reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube immobilized membrane contributes to enhanced solvent removal of the MD system. 1. A membrane distillation system , comprising:a. a membrane module; and 'wherein the nanocarbon immobilized membrane is sized to separate an organic solvent.', 'b. a carbon nanotube and graphene oxide membrane that together define a nanocarbon immobilized membrane, the nanocarbon immobilized membrane associated with the membrane module;'}2. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon immobilized membrane is a reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotube immobilized hybrid membrane.3. The membrane distillation system of claim 2 , wherein the reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube immobilized membrane is sized to separate tetrahydrofuran from water.4. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the membrane module comprises a sweep gas inlet and a sweep gas outlet.5. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the membrane module comprises a liquid nitrogen trap.6. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon immobilized membrane is selected from the group consisting of a hollow fiber membrane module claim 1 , a flat membrane module claim 1 , and a spiral wound membrane module.7. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the nanocarbon immobilized membrane is selected from the group consisting of an rGO-CNT claim 1 , GO-CNT claim 1 , rGO-CNIM and a GO-CNIM construct.8. The membrane distillation system of claim 1 , wherein the carbon nanotube is ...

Pharmaceutical Core-Shell Composite Powder and Processes for Making the Same

A composite particle including a core with at least one carrier material; a fluidizing material layer on the surface of the core; and an outer layer comprising nanoparticles of an ingestible material distributed in at least one matrix-forming material. A process of making the composite particles includes the steps of dry coating carrier particles with a fluidizing material; preparing a suspension of nanoparticles of an ingestible material distributed in a matrix-forming material; and fluid bed coating the carrier particles with the suspension. The process and products provide quick dissolving composite particles which can be used for delivery of poorly water soluble ingestible materials in suitable dosage forms. The process of the invention reduces or prevents particle agglomeration during fabrication of the composite particles to enable delivery and quick redispersion of nanoparticles of the ingestible material from a dosage form. 1. A composite particle comprising:a core, andan outer layer comprising nanoparticles of an ingestible material and at least one matrix-forming material.2. The composite particle of claim 1 , wherein the core is a particle having median particle size in the range of from about 20 μM to about 200 μM.3. The composite particle of claim 1 , wherein the core comprises a material selected from starch claim 1 , lactose claim 1 , sucrose claim 1 , cellulose claim 1 , cellulose ethers and mixtures thereof.4. The composite particle of claim 1 , further comprising a fluidizing material layer located between the core and the outer layer.5. The composite particle of claim 4 , wherein the fluidizing material is selected from silica claim 4 , alumina claim 4 , titania claim 4 , carbon black claim 4 , aluminum calcium silicate claim 4 , calcium silicate claim 4 , magnesium silicate claim 4 , potassium silicate claim 4 , sodium silicate claim 4 , sodium aluminosilicate claim 4 , sodium calcium aluminosilicate claim 4 , tricalcium silicate claim 4 , silica ...

Biocompatible and Implantable Optical Conduits

The present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., biocompatible and implantable optical conduit assemblies), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (“PDMS”)-based optical conduit assemblies) configured to power implantable devices (e.g., neural micro-stimulators or deep brain stimulators or the like) or to be used in optogenetic stimulation. In general, the exemplary optical conduit assemblies can be used for applications where energy needs to be transmitted to deep locations inside the body or brain without using electrical wires. Therefore, implantable devices that need to be powered (e.g., neural prosthetics) can be powered from an external light source using an optical conduit and an optical-to-electrical converter (e.g., a photodiode) attached to the end of the optical conduit on the inside. 1. An optical conduit assembly comprising:an optical conduit configured to be positioned in a first desired anatomical location, the optical conduit configured to wirelessly transmit optical energy to an implantable device;a light source configured to deliver optical energy to the optical conduit;wherein after the light source delivers optical energy to the optical conduit, the optical conduit wirelessly transmits optical energy to the implantable device, the implantable device positioned in a second desired anatomical location.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the optical conduit is a PDMS-based optical conduit.3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the implantable device is an untethered neural micro-stimulator or a neural prosthetic.4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first desired anatomical location includes the epidermis claim 1 , and wherein the second desired anatomical location is a deep location inside the body or brain.5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light source is an external laser diode.6. The assembly of claim ...

Devices and Methods for Repairing Cartilage and Osteochondral Defects

The present invention provides implants useful for treating cartilage and/or osteochondral defects that comprise a plurality of scaffolds arranged in a multi-layer stacked configuration, wherein each scaffold comprises a mesh of polymer fibers and wherein the polymer fibers comprise gelatin, a plant-derived protein, e.g., zein protein, or a combination thereof. Methods for repairing a cartilage and/or an osteochondral defect using implants of the invention are also provided. 1. An implant for promoting bone and/or cartilage formation , said implant comprising a plurality of scaffolds arranged in a multi-layer stacked configuration;wherein each scaffold comprises a mesh of polymer fibers; andwherein the polymer fibers comprise gelatin, a plant-derived protein or a combination thereof.2. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fibers in at least one scaffold further comprise a sulfated polymer.3. The implant of claim 2 , wherein said sulfated polymer is selected from the group consisting of cellulose sulfate claim 2 , starch sulfate and chitin sulfate.4. The implant of claim 3 , wherein said sulfated polymer is cellulose sulfate.5. The implant of claim 4 , wherein said cellulose sulfate is a fully sulfated cellulose sulfate (fSC) claim 4 , partially sulfated cellulose sulfate (pSC) or a combination thereof.6. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fibers are electrospun.7. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fibers comprise gelatin.8. The implant of claim 7 , wherein the polymer fibers are crosslinked.9. The implant of claim 8 , wherein the polymer fibers are crosslinked with a crosslinker selected from the group consisting of N-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-N′-ethyl carbodiimide with N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) claim 8 , genipen and a combination thereof.10. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fibers comprise a plant-derived protein.11. The implant of claim 10 , wherein the plant-derived protein is selected from the group consisting of zein ...

Systems and Methods for CO2 Removal From Flue Gas By Temperature Swing Absorption

The present disclosure provides improved systems, assemblies and methods to remove and recover COfrom emissions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved membrane contactors configured to remove COfrom flue gas by temperature swing absorption. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a novel hollow fiber membrane contactor that integrates absorption and stripping using a nonvolatile reactive absorbent (e.g., 80% polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 0, and 20% of an ionic liquid (IL)). Equilibrium COabsorption in the nonvolatile viscous mixed absorbent is as high as 6.37 mmolCO/g absorbent in the presence of moisture at 50° C. A novel membrane contactor is provided for COabsorption and stripping via a process identified as temperature swing membrane absorption (TSMAB). The contactor integrates non-dispersive gas absorption and hot water-based COstripping in one device/assembly containing two sets of commingled hollow fibers. 1. A COabsorption and stripping system comprising:a housing;a first plurality and a second plurality of hollow fibers disposed in the housing, the first plurality of hollow fibers including porous wall hydrophobic hollow fibers and the second plurality of hollow fibers including solid wall hollow fibers;an absorbent disposed in the housing between the first and second plurality of hollow fibers;{'sub': '2', 'wherein after feed gas passes through the first plurality of hollow fibers, the first plurality of hollow fibers is configured to allow COfrom the feed gas to diffuse to and be absorbed in the absorbent;'}{'sub': 2', '2', '2, 'wherein after the COdiffuses to and is absorbed in the absorbent, hot water passing through the second plurality of hollow fibers heats the absorbent and strips the absorbed COinto the first plurality of hollow fibers, with the first plurality of hollow fibers configured to allow the stripped COto be withdrawn through the first plurality of hollow fibers.'}2. The system of ...

Methods for Superdisintegrant-Based Composite Particles for Dispersion and Dissolution of Active Pharmaceutical Agents

The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods utilizing colloidal/ultrafine superdisintegrant-based composite particles for dispersion and/or dissolution of active pharmaceutical agents. In general, the present disclosure utilizes a surfactant-free or near surfactant-free formulation by incorporating a wet milled SDI as a dispersant in the formulation. As such, the present disclosure provides for the preparation of surfactant-free or substantially surfactant-free formulations (e.g., nano-composite micro-particle formulations) by incorporating a wet-milled superdisintegrant (SDI) as the dispersant in the formulations. The advantageous SDI particles (e.g., colloidal/ultrafine SDI particles) of the present disclosure can be used to break-up the aggregates (e.g., nanoparticle aggregates) of the active agents (e.g. poorly water-soluble drugs) in the formulations (e.g., micro-particle formulations) and enhance the recovery of the nanoparticles of active agents during aqueous re-dispersion and their dissolution rate in vitro and in vivo. 1. A method for fabricating colloidal and ultrafine superdisintegrant (SDI) particles comprising:providing SDI particles;wet-milling the SDI particles in a wet media mill to form colloidal and ultrafine SDI particles;wherein the wet-milled SDI particles have a particle size of less than about 5 microns.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wet-milled SDI micro-particles have a particle size of about 50 nm to about 1000 nm.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of adding the wet-milled SDI micro-particles to active agent particles.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the wet-milled SDI micro-particles are mixed with the active agent particles to form a suspension.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the steps of: (i) drying the suspension to form a composite of SDI and active agent particles claim 4 , and (ii) incorporating the dried composite into a solid dosage form.6. The method of claim 4 , further ...

System And Method For Multi-Level Vacuum Generation And Storage

A vacuum generation system and method utilizes a dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation system to evacuate a vacuum storage. Saturated steam of higher than ambient pressure is inserted into a condensation cylinder with two chambers separated by a movable piston. Steam moves the piston to fill one chamber while expel gaseous content and condensate out of the other chamber. Steam is then condensed to a rough vacuum (RV) state by cooling. By repeated operations of inserting and condensing steam in each chamber alternatively, a sustained vacuum generation is achieved. A multi-level vacuum storage is also disclosed with a high vacuum (HV) storage placed inside a rough vacuum (RV) storage to reduce leakage as well as mechanical stresses. The vacuum generation system and method is extended for creating a prime mover or actuator to drive vacuum pumps maximizing thermal energy usage for increased vacuuming capacity. 1. A method for generating a vacuum with a dual-action piston cylinder vacuum generation system , comprising:alternatively receiving a first quantity and a second quantity of steam into two chambers of a pressure vessel;condensing the first and the second quantities of steam for a vapor-to-liquid phase change that reduces a pressure in the two chambers alternatively to provide a vacuum state; andinserting steam in one chamber and combining steam pressure in a steam side of a piston with the vacuum state in the other chamber on an opposite side of the piston from the steam side of the piston to drive the piston within the pressure vessel to create a prime mover or an actuator with the dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation system to drive a vacuum instead of direct evacuation.2. The method of claim 1 , further includes recycling a condensate that is expelled out of the second chamber.3. The method of claim 1 , further includes flowing liquid through a plurality of channels in a wall of the vessel to perform a heat exchange with a content inside the ...

Articular Cartilage Mimetics

A scaffold for promoting cartilage formation is provided that includes a crosslinked electrospun fiber, wherein the crosslinked electrospun fiber consists essentially of crosslinked gelatin. The crosslinked electrospun fiber is generally crosslinked with a crosslinker, and the crosslinker may be diisosorbide bisepoxide. The crosslinked electrospun fiber may be crosslinked by adding a crosslinker to a solution of gelatin at a desired concentration. The electrospun fiber may advantageously remain intact for 18 days or longer upon being immersed in an aqueous solution. A composition for promoting cartilage formation is also provided that includes the disclosed scaffold and a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). The disclosed scaffold may include a crosslinked electrospun fiber that includes gelatin and sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS), e.g., in an amount of up to 5% by weight of the amount of gelatin. A method for promoting cartilage formation is also provided that includes administering to a subject in need thereof a disclosed composition for promoting cartilage formation in the subject. 1. A scaffold for promoting cartilage formation comprising a crosslinked electrospun fiber , wherein the crosslinked electrospun fiber consists essentially of crosslinked gelatin.2. The scaffold of claim 1 , wherein the crosslinked electrospun fiber has been crosslinked with a crosslinker claim 1 , and wherein the crosslinker is diisosorbide bisepoxide.3. The scaffold of claim 2 , wherein the crosslinked electrospun fiber has been crosslinked by adding a crosslinker to a solution of gelatin to achieve a concentration of the crosslinker in the solution of about 5% to about 20% based on solid weight of the solution.4. The scaffold of claim 3 , wherein the electrospun fiber has been crosslinked by adding a crosslinker to a solution of gelatin to achieve a concentration of the crosslinker in the solution of about 5% based on solid weight of the solution.5. The scaffold of claim 3 , wherein the ...

Virtual machine resource utilization in a data center

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a method, performed by a resource management server, for resource allocation in a virtualization environment. The resource management server includes a non-transient computer readable medium and a processor to execute computer executable instructions stored on the non-transient computer readable medium, so that when the instructions are executed, the resource management server performs the method of: (a) determining an average service rate for each virtual machine (VM) pool running an application; (b) predicting a workload of the application; (c) determining a set of collaborative VMs to serve the application in order to satisfy a service level requirement, the set of collaborative VMs comprising a number of selected VMs from the VM pools running the application; and (d) distributing incoming application requests of the application among the VMs in the set of collaborative VMs.

Scaffold for Tissue Growth and Repair

Provided is an electroactive structure and method for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure. 1. An electroactive structure for growing and differentiating a differentiable cell comprising a three dimensional matrix of electrospun biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymer fibers formed by electro spinning the polymer at a high electric potential , wherein the fiber matrix forms a scaffold for supporting cell growth and differentiation; and wherein the scaffold conditions are sufficient to induce differentiation of a mesenchymal stem cell into either an osteogenic or chondrogenic phenotype.2. The electroactive structure according to claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymer is a homopolymer claim 1 , a copolymer or combination thereof.3. The electroactive structure according to claim 2 , wherein the homopolymer is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) claim 2 , or a trifluoroethylene polymer.4. The electroactive structure according to claim 2 , wherein the copolymer is a poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) copolymer.5. The electroactive structure according to claim 3 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric homopolymer fibers are annealed.6. The electroactive structure according to claim 4 , wherein the biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric copolymer fibers are annealed.7. The electroactive structure of claim 6 , wherein the matrix of fibers further comprises a growth factor capable of further promoting the differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cell into a osteogenic or chondrogenic phenotype.8. The ...

Fabrication of flexible conductive items and batteries using modified inks

A chemical process to formulate conductive ink with low sintering temperature for inkjet printing is described and shown. The application of fabricated flexible conductive film on lithium ion batteries is also described. This chemical method and composition can remove the oxidation on metallic nanoparticle surface during ink fabrication and sintering processes. Etched metallic ions in the conductive ink are reduced and particles bridged while annealing printed patterns to achieve low temperature sintering at about 350° C. The chemical process can be applied on nickel materials that are excellent current collectors for lithium ion batteries due to high chemical stability especially at high charging-discharging potential of less than 3 Volts. Thermal decomposition and chemical reduction of silver salts are two methods disclosed for particle-free silver ink. Surfactant additive further make silver film more uniform and easier to be sintered.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAXIMIZING RECOVERY IN MEMBRANE DISTILLATION

Membrane distillation (MD) systems include at least two MD modules arranged in series, each of at least two MD modules including a condensing media inlet operable to receive a condensing media and a condensing media outlet, a feed inlet operable to receive a feed media and a feed outlet, and a first heating element positioned and operable to heat a feed prior to or upon introduction of the feed to a first of the at least two MD modules, wherein a stream exiting the feed outlet of the first of the at least two MD modules is introduced to the second of the at least two MD modules. Other MD systems include at least two MD modules arranged in parallel. 1. A membrane distillation (MD) system comprising at least two MD modules arranged in series , each of at least two MD modules comprising at least one membrane , a condensing media inlet operable to receive a condensing media and a condensing media outlet , a feed inlet operable to receive a feed media and a feed outlet , and a first heating element positioned and operable to heat a feed prior to or upon introduction of the feed to a first of the at least two MD modules , wherein a stream exiting the feed outlet of the first of the at least two MD modules is introduced to a second of the at least two MD modules.2. The MD system of comprising more than two MD modules.3. The MD system of further comprising a second heating element positioned and operable to heat the stream exiting the first of the at least two MD modules.4. The MD system of comprising more than two MD modules and plural heating elements in addition to the first heating element claim 1 , wherein each of the plural heating elements is operable to heat a stream exiting each of the more than two MD modules prior to or upon the stream being introduced to a successive MD module.5. The MD system of claim 1 , wherein the first heating element is a central heat exchanger positioned and operable to also heat the stream exiting the feed outlet of the first of the at ...

High Oxidation State Periodate Battery

The development of a novel battery comprising of high-oxidation-state periodate complex cathode and zinc anode is disclosed. A periodate complex HFe(IO)Owas prepared by a precipitation reaction between Fe(NO)and NaIO, and was used in battery development for the first time. NaMnIOdouble periodate salts were also synthesized from MnSOand NaIOusing the same techniques. The HFe(IO)Oalone showed specific capacity of 300 mAh g; while NaMnIOshowed specific capacity as high as 750 mAh Compared to single-electron processes in conventional cathode reactions, the possibility to significantly enhance cathode specific capacity via a multi-electron process associated with valence change from I(VII) to Iis demonstrated. Novel 3D-printed reserve battery casing designs comprising replaceable electrodes also disclosed. Batteries featuring an ion-exchange membrane dual-electrolyte design are disclosed. Periodate based dry cell batteries utilizing polymer electrolytes are also disclosed. 1. An inorganic battery comprising ,a high-oxidation-state material cathode;a reducing anode, and wherein the cathode and the anode both electrodes;one or more electrolytes that are a chemical medium that separate the electrodes and allows ion movement between the electrodes; andwherein the high oxidation-state-material cathode contains one or more high oxidation state elements with oxidization states of five or higher.2. The battery of claim 1 , wherein the high-oxidation-state-material cathode is a solid electrode and the one or more high oxidation state elements takes part in a chemical reaction.3. The battery of claim 1 , wherein the high-oxidation-state-material cathode is a periodate complex cathode.4. The battery of claim 3 , wherein the periodate complex cathode is an iron(III) periodate complex cathode.5. The battery of claim 3 , wherein the periodate complex cathode is a silver periodate complex cathode.6. The battery of claim 3 , wherein the periodate complex cathode is a double salt ...

Protein Hydrogels For Treatment Of Neovascular Disease

A mimic of an anti-angiogenic peptide is combined with a self-assembling peptide hydrogel to provide improved treatment for pathological neovascularization management. Pathological neovascularization may cause or worsen intraocular posterior segment diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The attachment of a therapeutic anti-angiogenic motif to a fibrillizing peptide backbone that undergoes nanofibrous self-assembly into an injectable hydrogel was found beneficial for the treatment of aberrant neovascularization. The peptide persists for extended periods in a target site for prolonging the therapeutic timeframe. This injectable hydrogel therapy may unlock potential clinical routes for treating many neovascular diseases. 1. A composition for management of a neovascular pathology , comprisingan anti-angiogenic or proapoptotic peptide domain sequence attached to a fibrillizing domain by a spacer to form a hybrid peptide;a hydrogel formed by the hybrid peptide that is self-assembling; andwherein the peptide domain sequence is immobilized in the hydrogel to localize and prolong anti-angiogenic or proapoptotic efficacy for management of a neovascular pathology and prevention of neovasculature formation.2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hybrid peptide contains between about 5 to 50 amino acids.3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the peptide domain is a short mimic epitope of a larger protein growth factor claim 1 , cytokine claim 1 , chemokine claim 1 , signaling molecule that promotes disruption in signaling claim 1 , network formation claim 1 , or apoptosis of endothelial cells.4. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the mimic includes PRKLYDY claim 3 , or a peptide from [SEQ. 2]-[SEQ. 35].5. The composition in claim 1 , wherein the fibrilizing domain consists of a peptide with polar or charged termini residues that flank an amphiphilic alternating hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic midblock.6. The ...

Ultraviolet particle coating systems and processes

Particle coating processes and systems (10) employ UV curable materials to form tack-free surfaces rapidly. By applying UV curable compositions on well suspended particles a UV particle coating technology enables a scalable process of coating fine particles at desirable coating thicknesses with a wide spectrum of obtainable properties. Processes in accordance with the present invention decouple the particle suspension and film formation steps, enabling ample time to first deliver evenly the coating materials to the particle surfaces, followed by rapid polymerization/curing reaction induced by the UV light to rapidly create tack-free surfaces, thus preventing particles agglomeration while achieving uniform and thin-layer coating.

Method for increasing the rate of compressive strength gain in hardenable mixtures containing fly ash

The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention provides a method for increasing the rate of strength gain of a hardenable mixture containing fly ash by exposing the fly ash to an aqueous slurry of calcium oxide (lime) prior to its incorporation into the hardenable mixture. The invention further relates to such hardenable mixtures, e.g., concrete and mortar, that contain fly ash pre-reacted with calcium oxide. In particular, the fly ash is added to a slurry of calcium oxide in water, prior to incorporating the fly ash in a hardenable mixture. The hardenable mixture may be concrete or mortar. In a specific embodiment, mortar containing fly ash treated by exposure to an aqueous lime slurry are prepared and tested for compressive strength at early time points.

Preparation of microporous films from immiscible blends via melt processing and stretching

The invention is directed broadly to microporous films prepared from immiscible blends of at least two components, preferably polymers, which are produced via melt processing, a film formed therefrom, for example by extrusion and post-film-forming treatments comprising uniaxial or biaxial cold-stretching and hot-stretching. The films have a three-dimensional reticulated or interconnected network of microcracks or crazing throughout the film, extending from one surface of the film to the other, providing a stable porosity and pore size useful for a variety of filtration and other applications.