Abstract: Various embodiments of processing systems and components for sterilization or pasteurization and associated methods of operation are described herein. For example, a method of sterilization or pasteurization includes immersing an item in an immersion fluid, and the immersed item is subject to a hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The method also includes applying microwave energy to the item while the item is immersed in the immersion fluid and subject to the hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid prevents the water content of the item from causing steam explosion in the item while the microwave energy is applied. The method further includes heating the item immersed in the immersion fluid to a target temperature with the applied microwave energy, the target temperature being sufficient to achieve sterilization or pasteurization of the item.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are material compositions that include a metal doped, alumina rich yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:M). Also provided according to embodiments of the invention are scintillator compositions that include Y3-xMxAl5+yO12+z, as a primary phosphor and wherein 0?x<0.03, 0.001<y<0.2 and 0?z<0.012, or 0?x<0.01, 0.001<y<0.1 and 0?z<0.0625 and M comprises elements selected from cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), Chromium (Cr) and lutetium (Lu). and can include a single or a mixture of a these elements.

Abstract: Unique methods and systems are introduced herein that is directed to a new class of Scanning Tunneling Microscope(s) (STM) for Solid Solution (SS) interface studies in which all mechanical components of the STM system are contained in a controlled-temperature and controlled-atmosphere chamber. This new design allows a user to do temperature dependent studies at the SS interface with non-conducting volatile solvents.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition for use in reforming is provided comprising a catalyst material comprising molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles having an average particle size from about 2 nm to about 1,000 nm; and a substrate, wherein both the molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles are substantially immobilized on the substrate. In another embodiment an anode for use in a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing composition. And in another embodiment a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing anode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of contaminant removal systems, compositions, and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for oxidizing a contaminant includes contacting the contaminant with a peroxygen compound and initializing, maintaining, or propagating degradation of the peroxygen compound with an oxygenated organic compound, thereby releasing oxidizing radicals. The method also includes oxidizing the contaminant with the released oxidizing radicals.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present technology are related to network-on-chip based integrated circuits, methods of manufacturing or fabricating such integrated circuits, and electronic/computing devices incorporating such integrated circuits. In one embodiment, a computing device includes a substrate, a plurality of computing nodes interconnected by a plurality of interconnects on the substrate to form a wired network. The individual computing nodes include one or more computing processors. The computing device further includes a pair of wireless transceivers individually connected to one of the computing nodes and spaced apart from each other by a network diameter of the wired network.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidize (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting acetic acid to isobutene in the presence of a catalyst. In certain embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst is used for carrying out a gas phase process for converting acetic acid to isobutene. In some embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst made by an incipient wetness impregnation method is used and is indicated to be very stable for carrying out the conversion.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for switchable patterned metal shield inductance structures. In some examples, an inductance structure on a substrate may include an inductor and a metal shield, where the metal shield separates and shields the inductor from the substrate. The configuration of the metal shield and the inductor may facilitate reduction in the overall inductance of the inductance structure. In particular, the metal shield may be configured to develop one or more eddy currents in response to an inductor-generated magnetic field. The eddy currents may then result in a magnetic field opposing the inductor-generated magnetic field, which may result in a reduction in the overall magnetic field and the overall inductance of the inductance structure. The metal shield may be switchable between multiple modes, where each mode may be effective to reduce the overall inductance by a different amount.

Abstract: Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing.

Abstract: In some examples, a circuit is described. The circuit may be included in a digital phase-locked loop (PLL) and may include a first delay cell, a second delay cell, and a delay controller. The first delay cell may include a first inverter circuit that includes first and second transistors and may be configured to receive and to delay a first signal. The delay of the first inverter circuit may be based on first and second voltages respectively provided to the first and second transistors. The second delay cell may include a second inverter circuit that includes third and fourth transistors and may be configured to receive and to delay a second signal. The delay of the second inverter circuit may be based on third and fourth voltages respectively provided to the third and fourth transistors. The delay controller may be configured to provide the first, second, third, and fourth voltages.

Abstract: Low cost, efficient two-stage anaerobic digestion systems for the production of biogas (e.g. methane) are provided. During the first stage, biogas is produced in a first reactor by anaerobic microbes cultured in two phases: a high solids phase and a low solids phase. During the second stage, biogas is produced in a second reactor by a methanogen-rich anaerobic culture cultured in low solids medium. Removal of effluent comprising pH lowering reaction products assists in maintaining a suitable pH in the high solids phase. The transfer of effluent from the second reactor to the first reactor assists in maintaining a suitable pH in the high solids phase, in mixing of the high solids phase, and in reseeding the high solids phase with methanogens. Methane is produced in and recovered from both reactors.

Abstract: Microcin MccPDI and bacteria harboring the mcpM gene which encodes MccPDI limit growth of and/or kill pathogenic bacteria such as pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and/or Shigella bacteria via proximity-dependent inhibition (PDI).

Abstract: Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for detecting the presence of and amount of drugs in a sample, particularly a particle sample obtained from a subject. In particular disclosed embodiments, the particle samples are skin particle samples, saliva particle samples, and/or mucous samples isolated from a subject and analyzed using thermal desorption methods combined with a selected detection method.

Abstract: The embodiments provide for a method and system of automated online control of a power system's voltage stability or even provide quick suggestions for fast decision support to the system operators to ensure a desired voltage stable system when needed. An example embodiment includes estimating data representing system parameters of a power system; non-iteratively determining a voltage stability index for each bus in the power system based on the estimated and received data sets; monitoring the voltage stability index for each bus so as to compare a computed voltage stability index for each bus to a predetermined voltage stability index threshold; and activating a voltage stability control mode resultant from the comparison of the computed voltage stability index for each bus to the predetermined voltage stability index threshold, wherein the voltage stability control mode is selected from: a normal mode of operation and an emergency mode of operation.

Abstract: Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions for controlled release of bioactive agents and methods for producing such compositions are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, mesoporous calcium silicate is synthesized by acid modification of wollastonite particles using hydrochloric acid. A hydrated silica gel layer having abundant Si—OH functional groups can be formed on the surface of wollastonite after acid modification. Bruhauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area increased significantly due to acid modification and, in one arrangement, reached over 350 m2/g. Acid modified mesoporous calcium silicate compositions show a higher ability to adsorb protein compared to unmodified particles and demonstrate controlled release kinetics of these proteins.

Abstract: Unique methods and systems are introduced herein for the determination of unique spatial light modulator based optical signatures of intrinsic and extrinsic scattering surface markers. These techniques can be used to authenticate semiconductor components and systems at various stages during the manufacturing process by measuring and cross correlating the surface marker's unique optical signature. In addition, these techniques can be used with extrinsic surface markers which are added to existing hardware (e.g. containers, locks, doors, etc.). These markers can then be measured for their unique optical signatures, which can be stored and used at a later time for cross-correlation to authenticate the surface marker and verify the hardware's provenance.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, the invention provides Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79 strains having pyrrolnitrin biosynthetic genes for biocontrol of soilborne diseases.

Abstract: Methods of producing bio-fuel and other high-value products from oleaginous biomass (e.g. algae biomass) are provided. The two-step methods use a first step of subcritical water extraction of the biomass at low temperatures to produce polysaccharides and other high value products of interest, followed by, ii) hydrothermal liquefaction of remaining solid biomass at high temperatures to produce bio-oil.