Abstract: The present disclosure provides solid compositions comprising a sorbent and an active composition, as well as delivery devices comprising the solid compositions. The disclosure also provides methods of making the solid compositions, as well as methods of utilizing the solid compositions as a pest repellant and as attractant for targets.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant bacteriophage constructs and related exogenous peptide sequences for generating immune responses against CD47. The disclosed recombinant phage constructs bind to antibodies against CD47 and can be administered to an animal to generate an immune response against CD47, including generating anti-CD47 antibodies. The disclosed recombinant phage may comprise an amino acid sequence of CD47, epitopic fragments, variants, or functional mimics thereof. Also disclosed are methods for making and selecting such recombinant phage constructs and compositions that comprise such constructs (e.g., compositions for inducing an immune response against CD47 including pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions used as vaccines). Also disclosed are recombinant polynucleotides comprising genomic nucleic acid of the recombinant phage constructs disclosed herein.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of determining characteristics of reflective surfaces and transparent materials are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method of determining characteristics of transparent materials includes using a camera to capture light from a target structure with light regions and dark regions. Before the light is captured by the camera, it passes through a transparent specimen, reflects off of a reflective surface, and passes through the transparent specimen a second time. Deformations in the transparent specimen caused by, e.g., static or dynamic stresses deflect the light passing through it. The amount of the deflection can be used to determine the stresses in the specimen.

Abstract: Methods of dewatering viscous materials are provided. The method comprises contacting the viscous material with pressurized carbon dioxide at a temperature and for a time wherein at least a fraction of water is expressed from the viscous material. Then the pressure is released, and the water expressed from the viscous material is removed to yield a dewatered product. Exemplary viscous materials that can be dewatered by the method include black liquor from wood pulping operations, wet lignin, wet super water absorbent polymers and sugar solutions. The pressurized carbon dioxide is present in subcritical or supercritical form. The method provides dewatering at reduced cost.

Abstract: MEMS-based sensors can experience undesirable signal frequencies caused by vibrations, shocks, and accelerations, among other phenomena. A microisolation system can isolate individual MEMS-based sensors from undesirable signal frequencies and shocks. An embodiment of a system for microisolation of a MEMS-based sensor can include an isolation platform connected to one or more folded springs. Another embodiment of a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform and/or a frame connected to a mesh damping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, a mesh damping mechanism can be a microfibrous metal mesh damper. In one or more embodiments, a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform connected to one or more L-shaped springs, and a thickness of the one or more L-shaped springs can be less than a thickness of the isolation platform.

Abstract: A method of making a binder for extruded, pelleted, or agglomerated animal feed. The binder is made by treating biomass such as soybean hull or lemon peels with an aqueous acidic solution for a time, at a temperature, and at a pH sufficient to yield a first mixture containing biomass solids and partially dissolved biomass; and mechanically treating the first mixture of step to yield a first mechanically treated mixture; and then incorporating the first mechanically treated mixture as a binder in an animal feed. Also described are animal feeds made using the binder.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid-based electrochemical proximity assays (ECPAs) for sample quantification. The invention may also include a biosensor with a sensing mechanism that uses a pair of aptamers or antibodies that bind the target of interest. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrochemical-based read out of a sensing mechanism that uses a nucleic acid-based proximity assay in conjunction with a pair of aptamers or antibodies for sample quantification. The biosensor or a set of biosensors can be used either as a standalone measurement system for a single analyte target or as a component of a multiplexed cartridge for multiple analytes.

Abstract: Described herein are Dirofilarial exhalant signatures and methods of detecting a Dirofilaria signature in a non-blood biological sample, such as exhalant, that can be used to detect Dirofilarial infection in a subject, such as a canine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vision inspection system based on deep learning and a vision inspection method of. The vision inspection system based on deep learning according to the present disclosure includes a GT generation module that generates a GT for a region of interest of a car part image, a learning module that receives learning data from the GT generation module, performs learning based on deep learning, and outputs a weight file, and an interface module that detects a defect with respect to an image file received from a vision program by using the weight file, and returns a defect detection result to the vision program.

Abstract: An integrated process and corresponding apparatus that produces a relatively clean, delignified cellulose product from lignocellulosic biomass. The method includes treating a portion of the delignified cellulose itself as a substrate to produce on-site cellulolytic enzymes, including further treating the remaining delignified cellulose with the resulting cellulolytic enzymes for in situ enzymatic hydrolysis. The process and apparatus are useful to produce fermentable sugars for cost-effective manufacturing of fermentable sugars, fuels, bioproducts and chemicals.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic filter may include a transfer pipe and multiple electromagnetic filter elements positioned in an interior volume of the pipe. Each electromagnetic filter element includes a support comb, a solenoid coupled to the support comb, and multiple magnetic members arranged in a planar array positioned within an opening of the support comb. Each magnetic member may rotate about an end that is coupled to the support comb. The magnetic members may be magnetostrictive sensors and may include a biorecognition element to bind with a target microorganism. A method for fluid filtration includes coupling the electromagnetic filter between a fluid source and a fluid destination, energizing the solenoids of each electromagnetic filter elements, and flowing a fluid media through the transfer pipe of the electromagnetic filter. The fluid media may be liquid food such as fruit juice. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for detecting volatile compounds. The device includes a substrate and a matrix disposed on the substrate. The matrix includes a carboxyl-rich binder, a clay, and a pH-sensitive indicator dye admixed with the binder and the clay. The pH-sensitive indicator dye is dimensioned and configured to change color in response to contact with a pre-determined concentration of a volatile compound.

Abstract: Technologies for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) made up of composable piezoelectric actuators is disclosed. An elongated piezoelectric rod is disposed between a top and a bottom electrode. The top electrode runs along one edge of the top of the piezoelectric rod for a first segment, then runs along the other edge of the top of the piezoelectric rod for the a second segment. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, the piezoelectric rod bends in a first direction for the first segment and in a second direction opposite the first for the second segment, displacing the tip of the rod. Several such rods can be joined in parallel and/or series, allowing for large-scale systems to be composed.

Abstract: A computerized information processing method for evaluating blood vessels is provided. The method includes acquiring a series of sequences of measurements, each at different time points in at least one cardiac cycle and at a different point along a blood vessel segment of a subject, generating corresponding profiles, calculating a transfer function for a subsegment between two selected points along a blood flow direction, and based thereon determining the physiological property of the subsegment. The measurements can contain information of blood velocity or blood pressure. A processing device and system implementing the information processing method are also provided. This approach can be used to evaluate arteries or veins and can be applied in screening, diagnosis, or prognosis of a variety of vascular diseases. For example, when combined with MRI scan, this approach can be used for non-invasively diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an HVAC apparatus, method, and system. Aspects of the invention include a supplemental heat source with an air handler unit for a conventional forced air heating and cooling system. The supplemental heat source in one example is a hydronic subsystem. It can be used alone or to supplement the forced air subsystem. Another aspect of the invention includes an air handling subsystem that has a housing that can be highly flexible in configuration and installation. The housing can support internal components, including a hydronic or other supplemental heat source with the forced air components. At least two sides of the housing can be configured for access for maintenance and repair. A control system can be designed to eliminate need for defrost cycle for forced air refrigeration-type subsystem and/or for better maintenance for comfort in the air conditioned space.

Abstract: An integrated process and corresponding apparatus that produces a relatively clean, delignified cellulose product from lignocellulosic biomass. The method includes treating a portion of the delignified cellulose itself as a substrate to produce on-site cellulolytic enzymes, including further treating the remaining delignified cellulose with the resulting cellulolytic enzymes for in situ enzymatic hydrolysis. The process and apparatus are useful to produce fermentable sugars for cost-effective manufacturing of fermentable sugars, fuels, bioproducts and chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for repeatably and accurately measuring the threshold sensitivity of the skin on a body part or surface such as the plantar surface of the foot. The machine uses a monofilament pressure test, where a monofilament is applied to the surface of the skin until it buckles at a corresponding force. The device may measure a broad range of pressures and responsive sensation in the patient using multiple applications of the monofilament. The patient indicates a positive or negative response, based on whether the patient sensed the monofilament pressure. The machine may include a foot clamping assembly, a support chassis, a linear motion translation assembly for locating the monofilament at a given position for testing, and a camera for taking images used to identify testing locations and report results. Methods of use and testing protocols are also described herein.

Abstract: Culture systems and methods of using same. The systems include a housing defining an inner space. The inner space includes a headspace and at least a portion of a reservoir. A surface for immobilizing cells is moveable between the headspace and the reservoir. The systems can be used for coculturing methanotrophs and phototrophs for processing biogas and wastewater, particularly from anaerobic digesters.

Abstract: A medical backpack for storing medical supplies and medical equipment is disclosed. The medical backpack can be used by medics working in rural or remote areas that are not accessible by car and where access to hospitals and medical supplies is limited or non-existent. The medical backpack is light enough to carry long distances and comprised of a number of different compartments that are flexible to equip with various supplies for specific needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A system for analyzing soil content of a field includes a data acquisition unit configured to detect gamma spectra of each of a plurality of soil samples, wherein a surface area of the field is divided into a plurality of portions and the plurality of soil samples comprises at least one soil sample from each of the plurality of portions, a navigation unit configured to detect geographic coordinates of each of the plurality of soil samples, a data analysis unit configured to associate the detected gamma spectra of each of the plurality of soil samples with the geographic coordinates of the soil sample and determine a weight percent of at least one element within each of the soil samples based on the detected gamma spectra, and an element content map unit configured to generate a map indicating concentration of the at least one element within the soil of the field.