Abstract: An apparatus configured to detect a substance, and method of operating and forming the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tunable resonator including an upper Bragg reflector and a lower Bragg reflector separated by a porous matrix. The tunable resonator is configured to be illuminated by a light source and produce a first spectral optical response from a substance absorbed within the porous matrix. The apparatus also includes a detector positioned proximate the tunable resonator configured to provide a first absorption signal representing the first spectral optical response.

Abstract: Methods and systems include determining travel information from vehicles. In one embodiment, a system monitors traffic on a roadway in real-time. The system includes a plurality of reader devices. The reader devices are capable of asynchronously capturing a unique network identifier of a device in a vehicle when the device is disposed in reader range of the reader devices. The reader device time stamps each captured unique network identifier. The time stamped unique network identifier is forwarded to a host module. The host module receives the time stamped unique network identifier. In addition, the host module determines travel information from the time stamped unique network identifier by comparing the time stamped unique network identifier for a particular vehicle to other time stamped unique network identifiers captured for the particular vehicle.

Abstract: A waveguide structure including a mid-infrared-transparent waveguide on a mid-infrared-transparent undercladding may serve as a photonic chemical sensor for measuring characteristic absorptions of analytes brought in physical contact with the waveguide. In some embodiments, a sensor including an amorphous-silicon waveguide on a barium-titanate undercladding can operate at wavelengths ranging from 2.5 ?m to about 7 ?m; this sensor may be manufactured by epitaxial growth of the undercladding on a substrate, followed by CMOS-compatible creation of the waveguide. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Vaccine vectors capable of eliciting an immune response to enteric bacteria and methods of using the same are provided. The vaccine vectors include a polynucleotide encoding a PAL polypeptide. The PAL polypeptide may be expressed on the surface of the vaccine vector. The vaccine vector may also include a second polypeptide encoding an immunostimulatory polypeptide such as a CD154 polypeptide or an HMGB1 polypeptide.

Abstract: A magnetic field manipulated localized polishing system includes a container holding a volume of a magnetic abrasive fluid. The magnetic abrasive fluid contains abrasive particles. A motor is positioned under the container. A magnet is coupled to the motor such that the motor induces rotation of the magnet. A workpiece is suspended in the container.

Abstract: A hand-held synchronous scan spectrometer for in situ analysis of bacteria, viruses, and fungi includes a housing that contains a light source, a first monochromator positioned to receive light from the light source and operable to direct a wavelength of the light from the light source towards a sample, a second monochromator positioned to receive fluoresced light from the sample and light from first monochromator, and a detector disposed within the housing and positioned to receive light output from the second monochromator. The hand-held synchronous scan spectrometer can include a display that is integrated into the housing or can utilize a display of a removable display device (e.g., a cell phone, PDA, tablet, and the like).

Abstract: A method for determining the susceptibility of a material to corrosion includes generating, via an inlet in a monitoring device, a laminar flow of material comprising a plurality of microorganisms. The plurality of microorganisms comprises at least one microorganism type. The method also includes forming, inside the monitoring device, in response to the laminar flow, a biofilm comprising at least one microorganism type. In addition, the method includes applying a voltage to the first and second electrodes during the laminar flow.

Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to an improved method and apparatus for modulating the amplitude and rotation of the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light for multiple uses but primarily as part of a noninvasive glucose monitoring system. As compared to previous monitoring systems, an embodiment provides faster monitoring while maintaining or even reducing noise and minimizing system complexity. Embodiments described herein address these concerns with a modulation and compensation approach that both uses a single high speed device and also modulation of the lasers.

Abstract: A multi-modal vehicle includes a frame, a rotor pivotally mounted to the frame, the rotor including a first position and a second position circumferentially spaced from the first position, and a motor coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate the rotor, wherein, when the rotor is disposed in the first position, the rotor is configured to generate lift when actuated by the motor, wherein, when the rotor is disposed in the second position, the rotor is configured to engage a surface to transport the vehicle when actuated by the motor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise disposing a smart camera system on a vehicle and installing the smart camera system to the vehicle. The method may further comprise recording data from transportation infrastructure with the smart camera system, transmitting the data to a remote server with the transmitter, analyzing the data on the server, and accessing the data on the server with device. A system for identifying a transportation infrastructure condition may comprise a smart camera system disposed on a vehicle, wherein the smart camera system comprises a camera and transmitter, as well as a server capable to analyze data. A device may be configured to record and collect transportation infrastructure conditions. The camera system may comprise a camera, an electronic control module, a global positioning system, a single board computer, and a dashboard.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions including a yeast comprising an immunostimulatory polypeptide and optionally an antigenic polypeptide are provided herein. The immunostimulatory polypeptide and the antigenic polypeptide are expressed or displayed on the surface of the yeast vaccine composition. Methods of using the vaccine composition to vaccinate subjects are also provided.

Abstract: A movement recognition system includes a feature extraction circuit and a classification circuit that is orientation independent. The feature extraction circuit is configured to receive a plurality of acceleration or angular velocity measurements from a sensor or multiple sensors that include a three dimensional (3D) accelerometer and 3D gyroscope. Each of the measurements is taken at different times. The feature extraction circuit is also configured to determine a difference between a first of the measurements and each other of the measurements. The classification circuit is configured to classify a movement of an object attached to the sensor irrespective of an orientation of the sensor on the object utilizing a signal recognition technique based on the difference between the first of the measurements and each other of the measurements.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-channel analyzers (MCA) designed for radiation detections systems. The MCA has an application specific single-chip structure of an integrated circuit chip with at least one instance of the MCA that has a plurality of MCA functions integrated thereon. An analog-to-digital converter and/or a microcontroller unit may be integrated on the chip to reduce the footprint and power and energy consumption.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder in a subject in need of such treatment are described. A therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising compound PG-20N in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is described. According to another embodiment, the subject disclosure features method of treating a depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder in a subject in need of such treatment. The method may comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising PG-20N.

Abstract: Polymeric based closed cell foams, such as shape memory polymer foams, contain bubbles. Making these bubbles continuous is called reticulation. Disclosed are embodiments of a device and method to controllably reticulate polymer-based closed cell foams by puncturing the membranes of these polymer-based closed cell foams.

Abstract: A method of determining if unstable asphaltenes are present in a crude oil sample includes obtaining a crude oil sample and performing a fractional analysis of the crude oil sample. In one embodiment, the method further includes measuring, via a cylindrical capacitor, a dielectric constant of the crude oil sample. Responsive to the measured dielectric constant, presence of unstable asphaltenes within the crude oil sample is determined. Responsive to the determined presence of unstable asphaltenes in an amount above a predetermined value, asphaltene precipitation is mitigated by addition of a chemical additive to the well.

Abstract: ‘15734-1 GR’ is a new and distinct hardy herbaceous Hibiscus hybrid with novel characteristics that include upright branched stems, numerous, outward-facing, reddish purple flowers that have a center eye that is between dark red and deep purplish red, a prolonged blooming season, and hastate, trilobed leaves.

Abstract: ‘15714-1N’ is a new and distinct hardy herbaceous Hibiscus hybrid with novel characteristics that include upright branched stems, numerous, outward-facing, very light purplish-blue flowers, which can intensify in response to high UV radiation, and a center eye that is between dark red (RHS 59A) and deep purplish red (RHS 59B), with the outer part of the eye moderate red (RHS 185B), a prolonged blooming season, and hastate, trilobed leaves.

Abstract: ‘15353-2N’ is a new and distinct hardy herbaceous Hibiscus hybrid with novel characteristics that include upright branched stems, numerous, outward-facing, near deep pink, also referred to as folly red, flowers with dark red veins and a center eye that is between moderate brown and grayish brown, a prolonged blooming season, and hastate leaves with slightly indented margins.

Abstract: ‘15173 GR’ is a new and distinct hardy herbaceous Hibiscus hybrid with novel characteristics that include upright branched stems, numerous, outward-facing, flowers that exhibit a background that is between moderate yellowish pink and strong pink in the mid and upper part, and between vivid reddish orange and deep yellowish pink from the middle part down to the edge of the center eye, a strong red center eye, a prolonged blooming season, and hastate, trilobed leaves.