Abstract: Black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof are provided. Also provided are methods of using black bear PTH and functional fragments for increasing cAMP in a bone-forming cell; reducing apoptosis in a bone-forming cell; decreasing the ratio of expression levels of Bax protein to Bcl-2 protein in a bone-forming cell; increasing the expression level of one or more of a bone matrix protein, a transcriptional activator, or a transcriptional regulator in a bone-forming cell; enhancing bone mineral density, increasing bone mass, decreasing bone loss, or reducing the incidence of bone fractures, or any combination thereof, in a subject; also provided are antibodies directed against black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof.

Abstract: A dedicated short range radar system is provided for use with a GPS system. The radar system includes a transmitter which transmits a microwave radio signal. A receiver is coupled to a horizontally scanning receiver antenna array which receives an echo, if present, from the radio signal transmitted by the transmitter. The radio receiver then generates an output signal representative of the echo. A control circuit then receives the output signal from the antenna array as well as the output signal from the GPS system. The control circuit then varies the mode of operation of the receiver and/or the transmitter as a function of the type of roadway for optimal radar performance.

Abstract: A device for measuring torque applied through a rotating member. A first torsion reference member is fixedly coupled to the rotating member at a first axial position and a second torsion reference member is fixedly coupled to the rotating member at a second axial position. A first detector detects the passage of the first torsion reference member past the first detector upon each full rotation of the rotating member and to generate a first signal upon each passage of the first torsion reference member. A second detector detects the passage of the second torsion reference member past the second detector upon each full rotation of the rotating member and to generate a second signal upon each passage of the second torsion reference member. A controller calculates a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal relative during rotation of the rotating member under a torsional load.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or preventing bonding between snow or ice and a substrate. The method includes applying an adhesive to the substrate, broadcasting an aggregate onto the adhesive, the aggregate having the capacity to receive an anti-icing chemical into the aggregate, and applying the anti-icing chemical onto the aggregate so that at least a portion of the anti-icing chemical is received into at least a portion of the aggregate.

Abstract: Provided are methods of converting carbon dioxide to carbon nitrides. In a first reaction, carbon dioxide may be reacted with metal nitrides, such as Li3N, to form carbon nitrides in a fast and exothermic reaction. Also provided are methods of using product metal cyanamides from the first reaction to subsequently generate additional carbon nitrides.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a layer of purple membrane between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrodes are connected to a circuit such that a signal is produced when a charge is transferred across the membrane. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a field effect transistor with a layer of purple membrane deposited on the gate. The layer of purple membrane may be further functionalized by adding fluorophores to the layer of purple membrane. The fluorophores may be deposited adjacent to the layer of purple membrane, or the fluorophores may be attached to the layer of purple membrane with linkages. The fluorophores or linkages between the fluorophores and the purple membrane may be functionalized with receptors to produce sensors for targeted chemical or biological species.

Abstract: Polynucleotide constructs contain fiber-specific elements which are used to target expression of polynucleotides and polypeptides to the vascular fibers of a plant. The constructs can be contained within a vector. Transgenic plants transformed with the fiber-specific elements can be made which have expression of a polynucleotide or polypeptide directed to the plant fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to flow sensors, systems, and methods useful for detecting and/or monitoring flow of a fluid. The invention is also related to detecting and/or monitoring the presence of scour, overtopping, and/or bed migration.

Abstract: An example radar apparatus has a transmission frequency modulated by a chirp waveform having three chirp segments, including increasing, decreasing, and a constant frequency segments. The chirp waveform may extend over the full revisit time of the radar beam. The frequency difference between the transmitted and echo signals are determined at least once per chirp segment. Example apparatus include a Doppler radar for vehicle use.

Abstract: An apparatus for water management in a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a fuel cell having a first porous electrode layer, a second porous electrode layer, a proton-conducting membrane positioned between the first electrode and second electrode layers, and a first and second bi-polar distribution plate, wherein the first bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a top of the first electrode layer and defining a first gas flow channel, and wherein the second bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a bottom of the second electrode layer and defining a second gas flow channel. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for oscillating liquid water formed in the gas flow channel and configured to remove the liquid water.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for purifying synthetic oligonucleotides comprising capping, polymerizing and separating any failure sequences produced during oligonucleotide synthesis. The invention also provides a method for purifying synthetic oligonucleotides comprising reacting a full length oligonucleotide with a compound to attach a polymerizable functional group to an end of the full length oligonucleotide, polymerizing the full length oligonucleotides and removing the failure sequences, and recovering the full length oligonucleotides. The invention also provides novel capping agents having a polymerizable functional group, and kits comprising at least one composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A Raman analyzer for analyzing light emitted from a Raman cell is provided that has a beam splitter configured to split the light emitted from the Raman cell into a first beam and a second beam. An atomic vapor filter can be used to filter a Raman scattered line from the first beam and a chopper system can periodically interrupt the first and second beams that are directed towards a photo detector, which can convert light from the first and second beams into an electrical signal. The signal output from the photo detector can optionally be amplified, digitized, Fourier filtered, and/or subjected to Fourier analysis.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes an insert defining a flank face, a rake face, and a cutting edge between the flank face and rake face. The cutting tool includes micro-nozzles formed in at least one of the tool body and the insert, and aimed at the cutting edge. Each micro-nozzle generates a micro jet of cutting fluid in close proximity to the cutting edge and adjacent to at least one of the flank face and the rake face.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: A Raman analyzer for analyzing light emitted from a Raman cell is provided that has a beam splitter configured to split the light emitted from the Raman cell into a first beam and a second beam. An atomic vapor filter can be used to filter a Raman scattered line from the first beam and a chopper system can periodically interrupt the first and second beams that are directed towards a photo detector, which can convert light from the first and second beams into an electrical signal. The signal output from the photo detector can optionally be amplified, digitized, Fourier filtered, and/or subjected to Fourier analysis.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encode polypeptides for increasing the rate of growth of plants. Introduction of the polynucleotides into plants produces plants having altered characteristics, such as increased growth, increased leaf area and reduced fertility. Expression of polypeptides in plants or plant cells promotes cell division. Expression of the polynucleotides in plants in the antisense orientation produces plants that are sterile or have smaller leaves.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising a selective reduction catalyst, a NOx sensor or an NH3 sensor, a urea injector, and a dosing control unit, wherein the dosing control unit calculates the rate of urea injection by estimating the concentrations of NO and NO2 in the exhaust downstream of the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: Black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof are provided. Also provided are methods of using black bear PTH and functional fragments for increasing cAMP in a bone-forming cell; reducing apoptosis in a bone-forming cell; decreasing the ratio of expression levels of Bax protein to Bcl-2 protein in a bone-forming cell; increasing the expression level of one or more of a bone matrix protein, a transcriptional activator, or a transcriptional regulator in a bone-forming cell; enhancing bone mineral density, increasing bone mass, decreasing bone loss, or reducing the incidence of bone fractures, or any combination thereof, in a subject; also provided are antibodies directed against black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising a selective reduction catalyst, a NOx sensor or an NH3 sensor, a urea injector, and a dosing control unit, wherein the dosing control unit calculates the rate of urea injection by estimating the concentrations of NO and NO2 in the exhaust downstream of the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that increase the secondary growth of plants were identified. Introduction of the polynucleotides into plants produces plants having altered characteristics, such as increased secondary growth, increased phloem production, increased xylem production, increased number of internodes, and/or increased stem diameter. Expression of the polynucleotides in plants in the antisense orientation may produce plants that have decreased secondary growth, decreased phloem production, decreased xylem production, decreased numbers of internodes, and/or decreased stem diameter.