Abstract: A parallel plate waveguide forms a volume coil used for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. The waveguide includes a first conductor arranged on a first side of the waveguide and a second conductor arranged on a second side of the waveguide. Excitation of the first conductor and the second conductor creates a transverse electromagnetic field between the first conductor and the second conductor which causes a target within the volume coil to emit radio frequency signals used for producing an image of the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of an anterior load carriage stability and mobility support system, and more particularly to marching band equipment and marching drum stability and mobility support belt for a marching drummer in K-12 primary or secondary, a collegiate, a drum and bugle corps or the like. A device capable of providing a support mechanism for the lumbar region of a user's back that allows for load distribution from loads placed anteriorly and inferiorly to the drummer's body. A preferred embodiment of the device includes a large piece and two smaller pieces of neoprene fabric, dual straps sewn along the sides of the belt, removable commercial grade closed cell foam sheets, and two plastic tubing for a sturdy structure with flexibility and versatility, and Velcro® sewn along the straps and on the obverse side of the belt for easy and secure attachment of the straps.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of microdevices and methods of manufacturing such microdevices are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, one or more microdevices may be formed on a substrate, with each of the one or more microdevices comprising a body micromachined from a continuous film formed on the substrate, the continuous film having a controlled microstructure of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing a vaccine against infection by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The methods typically include passing a heterogeneous attenuated population of IBV in chicken embryonic kidney cells, and optionally may include further passaging the heterogeneous attenuated population of IBV in embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) in order to obtain passaged attenuated population of IBV. Also disclosed are passaged attenuated populations of IBV in which the populations display a desired degree of homogeneity. Also disclosed are vaccines comprising the passaged attenuated populations of IBV and methods of vaccination comprising administering the disclosed vaccines.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the invention relates to recombinant human adenovirus vectors for delivery of avian immunogens and antigens, such as avian influenza into avians. The invention also provides methods of introducing and expressing an avian immunogen in avian subjects, including avian embryos, as well as methods of eliciting an immunogenic response in avian subjects to avian immunogens.

Abstract: Preforms for open structured (lattice) composite tubular members manufactured from large (i.e. high filament count) prepreg yarns on a conventional maypole braiding machine, and subsequently cured to produce fiber reinforced composites of high strength and light weight.

Abstract: The present system and method allow for preemptive, self-healing computer security. The system includes a user device processor and a PSS server processor. The two processors perform an initial Data Structure & Key Mutation (DSKM) method and an interval DSKM method at a given interval to protect secret information and prevent its exposure by attackers. When a user requests a site or service that is an attractive target for attackers, such as a bank site or monetary transfer service, the processors perform a Man in the Browser attack prevention method. When a packet is received or generated, the processors perform a Deep Protocol and Stateful Inspection and Prevention method to prevent receipt of malicious packets or the loss of sensitive information. Various forensics modules allow accurate forensic examination of the type, scope, and method of attack, as well as real-time protection of cloud-based services.

Abstract: The present system for fall restraint includes a mounting frame connected to a trigger mechanism and firing blocks, with a trigger cable extending through apertures in the mounting frame and trigger mechanism. Sudden movement by a user, such as a fall, actuates the trigger mechanism to trigger the firing blocks. The firing blocks are loaded with anchors and firing cartridges. Triggering the firing blocks causes the cartridges to fire, propelling the anchors into an anchoring surface, such as a roof. Because the user is connected to the trigger cable, once the anchors deploy the user is anchored to the roof and their fall arrested.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.

Abstract: A portable human balance training device for improving the human proprioceptive system, athletic performance, athletic speed, athletic agility, athletic vertical leap, athletic eye/hand coordination, spatial awareness, left/right brain organization and increasing the muscular development of a user. The balancing device has an elongated suspended support structure spanning the length of the device. The balancing device also has an end support structure at each end for suspending and stabilizing the support structure. A flexible line is mounted to the end supports and spans the length of the support structure. The user places all or part of their body weight on the suspended support band and attempts to balance.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing a vaccine against infection by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The methods typically include passing a heterogeneous attenuated population of IBV in chicken embryonic kidney cells, and optionally may include further passaging the heterogeneous attenuated population of IBV in embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) in order to obtain passaged attenuated population of IBV. Also disclosed are passaged attenuated populations of IBV in which the populations display a desired degree of homogeneity. Also disclosed are vaccines comprising the passaged attenuated populations of IBV and methods of vaccination comprising administering the disclosed vaccines.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of determining geometric characteristics of reflective surfaces are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method of determining geometric characteristics of reflective surfaces includes sensing electromagnetic waves with a sensor, where the electromagnetic waves have been reflected off a reflective surface of a specimen from a target structure including a feature point. The method further includes determining a displacement of the feature point of the target structure indicated by the sensed electromagnetic waves relative to reference data indicating a reference location for the feature point and determining a surface slope of a point of the reflective surface based on the determined displacement of the feature point of the target structure.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method for in-situ pathogen detection may comprise distributing one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors on a surface of a test object, wherein each of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors includes a biorecognition element configured to bind with a pathogen to cause a shift in a characteristic frequency of the associated measurement sensor; applying a varying magnetic field, using a test coil, to the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors distributed on the surface of the test object, wherein the test object is positioned outside of an inner volume defined by the test coil; detecting a frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors using the test coil, while applying the varying magnetic field; and determining whether the pathogen is present based on the detected frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors.

Abstract: Thrombostasin is an anti-clotting protein found in saliva of Haematobia irritans. Disclosed herein are studies testing blood uptake of horn flies feeding on cattle which confirm the association of ts genotype with blood uptake of horn flies. Blood uptake volumes of homozygous ts10 horn flies were lower than those of other ts genotypes when fed on control cattle. Cattle vaccinated with recombinant protein isoforms rTS9 or rTB8 resisted horn fly feeding by yielding lower blood volumes compared to flies feeding on control cattle. The impact of vaccination varied by ts genotype of flies. Cattle vaccinated with isoforms rTS9 resisted flies of ts2, ts9, and tb8 genotype. Vaccination with isoforms rTB8 produced resistance to ts8, ts9 and tb8 genotype flies. Horn flies of genotype ts10 were not affected with either TS isoforms and fed well on rTS9 and rTB9 vaccinated as on control-vaccinated cattle.

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: Described herein is a process for producing saccharides and ethanol from biomass feedstock that includes (a) producing an enzyme composition by culturing a fungal strain(s) in the presence of a lignocellulosic medium, (b) using the enzyme composition to saccharify the biomass feedstock, and (c) fermenting the saccharified biomass feedstock to produce ethanol. The process is scalable and, in certain aspects, is capable of being deployed on farms, thereby allowing local production of saccharides and ethanol and resulting in a reduction of energy and other costs for farm operators. Optional steps to improve the biomass-to-fuel conversion efficiency are also contemplated, as are uses for byproducts of the process described herein.

Abstract: Enantiomers of 1?,6?-isoneplanocin, including derivatives of the enantiomers of 1?,6?-isoneplanocin, are disclosed along with novel synthetic methods. In particular, a substituted cyclopentane epoxide is synthesized into the enantiomers of 1?,6?-isoneplanocin. Enantiomers of carbocyclic nucleoside analogs of 3-deazaneplanocin to provide D- and L-like 1?,6?-iso-3-deazaneplanocin are also disclosed. The small molecule chemotherapeutic compounds beneficially provide DNA and RNA antiviral activity, demonstrating activity towards, for example, human cytomegalovirus, measles, Ebola, norovirus, dengue, vaccinia and HBV. Compounds exhibiting reduced S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitory effects are disclosed and provide improved toxicity profiles in comparison to neplanocin. The invention provides improved prophylactic and/or therapeutic antiviral efficacy.