Abstract: Pedestrian call systems with bidirectional communication between pedestrian call stations and traffic controllers are arranged so as to detect system errors. Communications can be provided over power conductors, and systems can be configured and monitored using a web browser. In one example, traffic systems are provided with Ethernet interfaces that can be used for bidirectional communication over power lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrochemical device comprising graphene material made using embodiments of the method disclosed herein. Also disclosed is a graphene electrode comprising the graphene material made using embodiments of the method disclosed herein. The graphene material disclosed herein for use in the disclosed electrochemical devices has superior properties and activity compared to carbon-based materials known and used in the art. The disclosed graphene material can be used in multiple different technologies, such as water treatment, batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, solar cells, and ultracapacitors (both aqueous and non-aqueous).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to building panels, structures comprising building panels, and methods of manufacturing building panels. In a representative embodiment, a building panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer layer and an insulative layer disposed adjacent the fiber-reinforced polymer layer. The building panel can further comprise a rigid planar member disposed adjacent the insulative layer such that the insulative layer is located between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member. The building panel can further comprise one or more fiber-reinforced polymer connectors extending through the insulative layer between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member.

Abstract: Nanostructures such as nanowires, nanosprings, nanorods, and nanoparticles, when maintained in contact with a source of bone cells, enhance the proliferation of the bone cells and integration bone into the nanostructures. The nanostructures may or may not be coated with a metal or metal oxide coating and preferably are textured. Such coated or non-coated nanostructures may be utilized on the surface of bone implants to enhance osseointegration of the implants.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital (ADC) converter is disclosed that uses aspects of a single-slope ramp ADC, but with jump steps in the ramp voltage to increase speed. A look-ahead controller can cause a ramped voltage level to jump step and detect the number of analog input signals impacted due to the jump step. If the detected number is below a predetermined threshold, the ramp can be maintained from the new voltage level after the jump. If the detected number is above the predetermined threshold, the ramped voltage level can be returned to its original voltage level and trajectory. Thus, jump steps can be used to increase speed, but dynamic testing can be performed to ensure that error rates due to the jump step are minimized.

Abstract: The synthesis of nanostructures uses a catalyst that may be in the form of a thin film layer on a substrate. Precursor compounds are selected for low boiling point or already exist in gaseous form. Nanostructures are capable of synthesis with a masked substrate to form patterned nanostructure growth. The techniques further include forming metal nanoparticles with sizes <10 nm and with a narrow size distribution. Metallic nanoparticles have been shown to possess enhanced catalytic properties. The process may include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit Ni, Pt, and/or Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of SiO2, SiC, and GaN nanowires. A nanostructure sample can be coated with metallic nanoparticles in approximately 5-7 minutes. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled through appropriate control of temperature and pressure during the process. The coated nanowires have application as gas and aqueous sensors and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that involve C5-functionalized nucleic acids, which can be used for detecting a target in a nucleic acid. Particular embodiments disclose methods for making these compounds, wherein the compounds can be formed by coupling of an intermediate with a linker. Certain embodiments disclose the use of these compounds for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for increasing the thermal affinity of nucleic acid complements as compared to unmodified nucleic acid complements. In addition, the disclosed compounds can decrease enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The catalytic conversion of glycerol or acetol to alcohols, such as polyhydric alcohols like propylene glycol and simple alcohols like methanol and ethanol, without the addition of external hydrogen, is improved by the use of a transition metal alloy catalyst which, in the case of glycerol, is a nickel alloy catalyst.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that involve C5-functionalized nucleic acids, which can be used for detecting a target in a nucleic acid. Particular embodiments disclose methods for making these compounds, wherein the compounds can be formed by coupling of an intermediate with a linker. Certain embodiments disclose the use of these compounds for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for increasing the thermal affinity of nucleic acid complements as compared to unmodified nucleic acid complements. In addition, the disclosed compounds can decrease enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Two novel strains of bacteria, C6-6 and C6-8, deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty, protect fish, such as by reducing mortality, against disease caused by bacteria, such as coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum.

Abstract: A method for increasing the concentration of calcium carbonate in a geomaterial that contains indigenous microorganisms capable of hydrolyzing urea to ammonia, which method includes enriching the geomaterial with a source of nutrients, adding urea to the geomaterial which is hydrolyzed to ammonia and which raises the pH of the geomaterial, and adding a source of calcium ions to the geomaterial. Carbonate ions obtained by the hydrolysis of the urea combine with calcium ions to form calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Protection of fish from bacterial disease by vaccination with a live attenuated strain of the causative bacterium is enhanced when the attenuated strain has been grown in an iron-limited medium.

Abstract: A mobile traffic controller to aid pedestrians includes a wireless transmitter and receiver that are configured to communicate with a traffic signal or a traffic control system. In response to a user request, the transmitter sends a traffic control request to a traffic signal or a traffic system controller. The request is acknowledged, and when appropriate, the mobile traffic controller receives a message indicating that a crossing is authorized. The mobile controller can include a vibro-tactile or audio output device for communication with the user. In addition, position and orientation systems can be included so that the user can be directed along a preferred path or alerted that a predetermined or legally established passage zone has been exited or is about to be exited.

Abstract: Two novel strains of bacteria, C6-6 and C6-8, deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty, protect fish, such as by reducing mortality, against disease caused by bacteria, such as coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum.

Abstract: A soil collection device can be used to collect soil samples from a harvester that excavates soil while harvesting a ground crop. The soil collection device can include a collection area for collecting soil that is excavated from the ground by the harvester and discarded from the harvester. A storage device can receive and store at least a portion of the discarded soil in individual containers. A location marking device can being configured to mark the individual containers of discarded soil with information concerning the location of the soil collection device at or about the time the discarded soil was received in the individual containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of DNA methylation detection. The present invention provides for methods of generating and detecting specific electronic signals that report the methylation status of targeted DNA molecules in biological samples. Two methods are described, direct and indirect detection of methylated DNA molecules in a nano transistor based device. In the direct detection, methylated target DNA molecules are captured on the sensing surface resulting in changes in the electrical properties of a nano transistor. These changes generate detectable electronic signals. In the indirect detection, antibody-DNA conjugates are used to identify methylated DNA molecules. RNA signal molecules are generated through an in vitro transcription process. These RNA molecules are captured on the sensing surface change the electrical properties of nano transistor thereby generating detectable electronic signals.

Abstract: Fish are immunized by a mass vaccination method, such as by immersion in water containing an attenuated strain of a pathogenic bacterium that does not effectively cause disease in fish when the non-attenuated pathogenic bacterium is exposed to the fish by immersion. An illustrative example of the method is for immunizing against coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum, which may be attenuated by serial passage in media containing increasing amounts of an antibiotic, such as rifampicin.

Abstract: Embodiments of integrated device and associated methods of design are provided. Such embodiments include a metallic ground plane, dielectric material, ferrite puck and formed metal layer configured to define circulator and microwave device portions, or functions, within an integrated device unit. Impedance characteristics of each functional portion are determined independent of one another and are optimized with respect to each function. Respective matching network portions of each integrated device optimally couple the circulator portion with a microwave device portion and one or more connector ports. Integrated devices of the present teachings can be applied modularly at the systems level of communications, radar, and/or other contexts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a protein concentrate from a starch containing grain and uses thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the protein concentrate produced is used to prepare an aquaculture feed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.