Abstract: Many factors contribute to dogs' superior olfactory capabilities as compared to humans. Studies explored this aspect at the cellular and behavior levels; however, the cognitive-level neural substrates linking them have never been explored. Since sedated dogs cannot sniff, the present application illustrates the cognitive-level linking neural substrate using fMRI of conscious dogs. The head motion of the canine is accounted for by behavioral training and optical motion tracking. The olfactory bulb is commonly activated in both awake and anesthetized dogs, while parietal and frontal structures are activated only in the former and subcortical structures only in the latter. Comparison of low and high odor intensity shows differences in both the strength and spatial extent of activation in higher cognitive structures. Unlike humans, neural structures even at the top of the cognitive hierarchy are modulated by odor concentration in dogs.

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: A composite comprises a carbonaceous and a metallic nanotube conjugated with a carbonaceous support. The composite may be used to remove contaminants from water.

Abstract: A system for navigating a mobile object generates satellite navigation data for the mobile object based on satellite navigation signals received from a plurality of satellites and base data received from a stationary base station. The satellite navigation data for the mobile object includes code phase estimates and carrier phase estimates for the plurality of satellites. The system computes position, velocity and time estimates for the mobile object in accordance with the code phase estimates and carrier phase estimates, and performs a navigation function for the mobile object in accordance with the computed position, velocity and time estimates for the mobile object. The system generates the code phase estimates by performing a Vector Delay Locked Loop (VDLL) computation process, and generates carrier phase estimates for the plurality of satellites including by performing a Real-Time-Kinematics Vector Phase Locked Loop (RTK-VPLL) computation process.

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: The present disclosure includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) based RF-to-digital (RDC) data converter for time domain signal processing polar receivers. Polar data conversion achieves better SNR tolerance owing to its phase convergence near the origin in a polar coordinate. The proposed RDC consists of a TDC for phase detection and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for amplitude conversion. Unlike the conversional data converter, the proposed ADC's sampling position is guided by the detected phase result from the TDC's output. This TDC assisted data-converter architecture reduces the number of bits required for the ADC. In addition, oversampling is no longer needed. With precisely controlled tunable delay cells and gain compensator, this hybrid data convertor is capable to directly convert Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) waveforms and Amplitude Phase Shift Keying (APSK) waveforms directly from the RF signal without down-conversion.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, vectors, and methods for treating and preventing rabies lyssavirus infection in a subject in need thereof, including rabies lyssavirus encephalitis. The disclosed compositions relate to anti-rabies immunoglobulins and vectors for expressing anti-rabies immunoglobulins such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that express anti-rabies immunoglobulins in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods relate to treating and/or preventing an infection by rabies lyssavirus in a subject in need thereof, the methods comprising administering to the subject a dose of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that expresses an immunoglobulin that binds and neutralizes rabies lyssavirus in the subject.

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: 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: Engineered wood products and binder compositions are provided. In preferred embodiments, the engineered wood products include wax. Methods are also provided for formulating binders for wood comprising unmodified soy flour and synthetic adhesives. The soy-based formulations are prepared by mixing unmodified soy flour with the synthetic adhesive prior to application to the wood or by adding them sequentially to the wood. The present invention provides adequate bonding at reduced cost.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating physiological properties of a segment of blood vessel is provided. The method includes: acquiring a first measurement and a second measurement respectively at the first point and the second point; obtaining a transfer function configured to produce an output given an input, using the first measurement and the second measurement as the input and the output respectively; and determining the physiological properties of the section of the blood vessel based on the transfer function. The transfer function can be a velocity transfer function based on the blood velocity waveforms, or can be a pressure transfer function based on the blood pressure waveforms. The method and system can be used to non-invasively diagnose PH, COPD, and PA impedance in a pulmonary artery, and to detect a stenosis in a coronary artery.

Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a control unit configured to determine an average ion concentration, a surface ion concentration and a solid phase potential for anode particles and an electrolyte potential in an anode, using a predefined electrochemical reduced order model. The control unit is further configured to determine a side reaction rate from the solid phase potential and the electrolyte potential. The control unit is further configured to reduce the magnitude of the charging current applied to a secondary battery based on at least one of a cutoff voltage, the surface ion concentration and the side reaction rate.

Abstract: A method of separating magnetic nanoparticles is described. The method comprises placing the magnetic nanoparticles in a periodic magnetic field. The periodic magnetic field varies between a first magnetic field strength and a second magnetic field strength that is higher than the first magnetic field strength. The nanoparticles may be superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that include or utilize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for improving growth and health in plants and animals. The compositions and methods include or utilize a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that expresses a protein associated with pectin metabolism, and a saccharide comprising pectin or a pectin-related saccharide.

Abstract: A quantum charge parametron (QCP) includes a load capacitor; two quantum phase-slip junctions (QPSJs) coupled to each other through the load capacitor so as to define two charge islands, each charge island being located between the load capacitor and a respective one of the two QPSJs; at least one input voltage source coupled to the two QPSJs so that the two QPSJs, the load capacitor and the at least one input voltage source define a loop; and an excitation voltage source coupled to the two charge islands through first and second capacitors, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinged, two-wheeled device for improving the safety of an individual or object descending along a rope from an elevated position. The device includes a two-piece hinged framed held open by a torsion spring. Each part of the frame contains a wheel with a cut out/channel with a knurled surface to increase the friction between the rope and the device and to prevent the device from disengaging during use. The rope is placed between the two wheels and the handle is pulled down, clamping the device around the rope. The two wheels are connected to viscous rotary dampers that slow the speed of the wheels during descent, preventing the user/object from accelerating in a free-fall and controlling the descent rate to a relatively constant, safer speed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical cells comprising electrodes prepared from layered materials omprising a substantially two-dimensional ordered array of cells having an empirical formula of Mn+1Xn, where M comprises a transition metal selected from the group consisting of a Group IIIB metal, a Group IVB metal, a Group VB metal, a Group VIB metal, and any combination thereof, X is CxNy wherein x+y=n, and n is equal to 1, 2, or 3. Also disclosed herein are batteries comprising the electrochemical cells and methods for electrochemically preparing MXene compositions with the use of the electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A method of target molecule detection includes simultaneously obtaining a first signal from a first working electrode and a second signal from a second working electrode, wherein the first signal is responsive to interaction of the first recognition element with the target molecule in a sample, and the second signal is indicative of background noise from the sample. The method further includes generating a modified signal that is proportional to an instantaneous difference between the first and second signals, wherein the modified signal indicates an amount of the target molecule present in the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) based RF-to-digital (RDC) data converter for time domain signal processing polar receivers. Polar data conversion achieves better SNR tolerance owing to its phase convergence near the origin in a polar coordinate. The proposed RDC consists of a TDC for phase detection and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for amplitude conversion. Unlike the conversional data converter, the proposed ADC's sampling position is guided by the detected phase result from the TDC's output. This TDC assisted data-converter architecture reduces the number of bits required for the ADC. In addition, oversampling is no longer needed. With precisely controlled tunable delay cells and gain compensator, this hybrid data convertor is capable to directly convert Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) waveforms and Amplitude Phase Shift Keying (APSK) waveforms directly from the RF signal without down-conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods using for activating Peroxisomal Proliferator Activating Receptor (PPAR)-?/? and/or PPAR-?. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds and methods of treating a disease or disorder associated with PPAR-?/? and/or PPAR-?. In some embodiments, present invention relates to compounds and methods of treating Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and reduced cognition.