Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning amongst two-way radios is disclosed. The method includes applying a scan probability index (SPI) to each member of a scan list, the SPI indicating a likelihood of channel activity. The SPI is dynamically updated by a variety of processes. Members are loaded from the scan list, and the SPI of the loaded member is compared to a threshold. Members are skipped or checked for activity based on the SPI passing or failing the threshold. Members having a sufficient SPI will proceed to have detected channel activity decoded. The method and apparatus may utilize both normal scan members and vote scan member frequencies.

Abstract: The specification provides compositions and methods for treating cancer with non cancerous cell extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles act as a surrogate microenvironment to reverse the drug-resistance or cancerous phenotype of cancer cells towards a non cancerous phenotype.

Abstract: An MRI contrast material includes tumor-targeting metal-loaded ferritin nanoparticles constructed with genetically modified ferritin coupled to a target-specific agent. Ferritin derived from Archaeoglobus flulgidus (AfFtn-AA) forms hollow nanocages surrounding paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal core, storing a significantly greater quantity of iron (approximately 7,000 Fe ions per ferritin cage) or other paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal than natural ferritins, and is conjugated via a short linker with a monoclonal antibody against a cell surface antigen overexpressed by a cancer, to selectively and efficiently attach to tumor cells to enhance MRI contrast. Significant T2 contrast with diminished T1 effect was observed owing to the heterogeneous nanoconjugate distribution when bound to cells. In a treatment method, after imaging, an external stimulus heats the cell-bound agent to release the metal and selectively destroy the targeted cells.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously receiving incoming messages on at least two channels in a multi-channel device, wherein a first incoming message is received on a first channel of the at least two channels according to a first protocol. Responsive to receiving the first incoming message, outgoing messages are transmitted on the first channel while the incoming messages are simultaneously received on a second channel. The outgoing messages to be sent according to the first protocol are queued in a transmitter. The transmitter also monitors at least one data stack that is used for transmitting messages according to a second protocol for transmit opportunities. Responsive to detecting a transmit opportunity, the transmitter transmits an optimal number of the outgoing messages within the duration of the transmit opportunity. The outgoing messages are transmitted on the first channel without affecting incoming messages received on the second channel.

Abstract: A bioreactor control system comprises a batch server for controlling a bioreactor system in response to a recipe, a batch software system for generating a control sequence for the bioreactor system via the batch server for implementing the recipe, and a recipe conversion system that inputs the recipe into the batch software system. Preferably, the recipe conversion system reads a word processor file containing the recipe and interprets styles applied to text in the word processor file as indicating equipment and phases of the recipe to the recipe conversion system. Generally, the bioreactor system includes one or more bioreactors and additional hardware to perform the upstream and downstream processing. The document properties of the word processor file containing the recipe are applied as header information for the recipe input into the batch software system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples and variations of solar energy collector system comprising an elevated linear receiver (5) and first and second reflector fields (10P, 10E) located on opposite sides of, and arranged and driven to reflect solar radiation to, the receiver (5). Also disclosed herein are examples and variations of receivers (5) and reflectors (12a) that may, in some variations, be utilized in the disclosed solar energy collector systems.

Abstract: In a two-way radio frequency (RF) communications system having at least one fixed terminal, one or more channels, and a plurality of subscriber units, the method comprising, a device receives, from a first subscriber unit, an alert tone request identifying at least a type of alert tone and at least one destination. In response, the device causes one or more fixed terminals corresponding to one or more radio sites associated with the destination identified in the alert tone request to instruct their subscriber units to play back a locally stored or generated alert tone corresponding at each subscriber unit. Receiving subscriber units then play back the alert tone on a continuous, periodic, or semi-periodic basis, selectively mixing the alert tone with call audio if present.

Abstract: Combined cycle power plants and related methods are disclosed here. In the plants, a mediating thermal energy storage unit is used to store waste or residual thermal energy recovered from a heat engine employing a top thermodynamic cycle of the combined cycle power plant, so that the stored residual thermal energy may be used as an energy source in a bottom thermodynamic cycle of the power plant. In the combined cycle power plants described here, the heat engine employing a top cycle may comprise a Brayton cycle heat engine and the heat engine employing the bottom thermodynamic cycle may be a Rankine cycle heat engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously receiving incoming messages on at least two channels in a multi-channel device, wherein a first incoming message is received on a first channel of the at least two channels according to a first protocol. Responsive to receiving the first incoming message, outgoing messages are transmitted on the first channel while the incoming messages are simultaneously received on a second channel. The outgoing messages to be sent according to the first protocol are queued in a transmitter. The transmitter also monitors at least one data stack that is used for transmitting messages according to a second protocol for transmit opportunities. Responsive to detecting a transmit opportunity, the transmitter transmits an optimal number of the outgoing messages within the duration of the transmit opportunity. The outgoing messages are transmitted on the first channel without affecting incoming messages received on the second channel.

Abstract: In a two-way radio frequency (RF) communications system having at least one fixed terminal, one or more channels, and a plurality of subscriber units, the method comprising, a device receives, from a first subscriber unit, an alert tone request identifying at least a type of alert tone and at least one destination. In response, the device causes one or more fixed terminals corresponding to one or more radio sites associated with the destination identified in the alert tone request to instruct their subscriber units to play back a locally stored or generated alert tone corresponding at each subscriber unit. Receiving subscriber units then play back the alert tone on a continuous, periodic, or semi-periodic basis, selectively mixing the alert tone with call audio if present.

Abstract: Receivers for use in solar energy collector systems and solar-powered electrical energy generating plants are provided. The receivers comprise a solar radiation absorbing core that converts absorbed solar radiation to thermal energy. The core comprises a refractory material to allow the receivers to operate continuously at high temperatures reached by absorbing concentrated solar radiation. The thermal energy so generated in the core may be stored in the receiver for a transitory period, or for a more extended period. Receivers may comprise one or more fluid channels in and/or around the core for conveying a working fluid to facilitate extraction of stored thermal energy from the core.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power consumption on a trunked network include listening to a control channel on a trunked system with a trunked pager, and receiving a voice channel assignment. The trunked pager listens for voice traffic on the assigned voice channel while in a standby mode. Voice traffic is detected and the trunked pager determines whether the voice traffic is for a communication group that includes the trunked pager. If so, the trunked pager unmutes and listens to the voice traffic. Upon termination of the voice traffic, the trunked pager returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment. Otherwise, the trunked pager directly returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning amongst two-way radios is disclosed. The method includes applying a scan probability index (SPI) to each member of a scan list, the SPI indicating a likelihood of channel activity. The SPI is dynamically updated by a variety of processes. Members are loaded from the scan list, and the SPI of the loaded member is compared to a threshold. Members are skipped or checked for activity based on the SPI passing or failing the threshold. Members having a sufficient SPI will proceed to have detected channel activity decoded. The method and apparatus may utilize both normal scan members and vote scan member frequencies.

Abstract: System and method for efficiently managing communication channel assignments within talkgroups having dual mode communication units capable of operating on a first communication channel type and on a second communication channel type, and single mode communication units capable of operating only on the second communication channel type. If, at a base site, each of the communication units associated with a talkgroup is a dual mode communication unit, a call for that talkgroup is assigned to be broadcast using a channel of the first communication channel type. If, at least one of the communication units associated with the talkgroup at the base site is a single mode communication unit, the call for that talkgroup is assigned to a channel of the second communication channel type. As communication units roam between sites, channel assignments are continuously updated based on the types of communication units at each base site at any one time.

Abstract: A solar collection system having a secondary reflector is provided. The secondary reflector may be located above a field of primary reflectors and below a solar receiver. The secondary reflector may form a portion of an ellipse or macrofocal ellipse and be operable to reflect at least a portion of the solar radiation reflected by the primary reflectors onto the solar receiver. The secondary reflector may be disposed away from the solar receiver and associated tertiary reflectors such that it does not intercept reflected solar radiation from the outer primary reflectors that would otherwise have struck the solar receiver and tertiary reflectors had the secondary reflector not been present.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power consumption on a trunked network include listening to a control channel on a trunked system with a trunked pager, and receiving a voice channel assignment. The trunked pager listens for voice traffic on the assigned voice channel while in a standby mode. Voice traffic is detected and the trunked pager determines whether the voice traffic is for a communication group that includes the trunked pager. If so, the trunked pager unmutes and listens to the voice traffic. Upon termination of the voice traffic, the trunked pager returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment. Otherwise, the trunked pager directly returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples and variations of solar energy collector system comprising an elevated linear receiver (5) and first and second reflector fields (10P, 10E) located on opposite sides of, and arranged and driven to reflect solar radiation to, the receiver (5). Also disclosed herein are examples and variations of receivers (5) and reflectors (12a) that may, in some variations, be utilized in the disclosed solar energy collector systems.

Abstract: A measuring device comprising a base, feet connected to the base, and an inclinometer mounted on the base is used to characterize a surface. The feet are placed in direct contact with the surface at a predetermined position. The inclinometer measures the angle of the surface relative to gravity at the predetermined position. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to an arm, in order to measure different positions on the surface simultaneously. The arm may be moved by an actuator to the next predetermined position on the surface. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to a frame that is substantially the same size as the surface to be characterized, such that the entire surface can be characterized without moving the frame.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning priority to a talk group of a plurality of talk groups in a communication network (100) is provided. The method includes detecting (304) activity on a first talk group (108) via a Vehicular Repeater (VR) (106). The first talk group is associated with a lower priority than that of a second talk group (110). The method also comprises assigning (306) a higher priority to the first talk group and the lower priority to the second talk group, based on the step of detecting. Further, the method comprises dynamically re-assigning (308) the higher priority and the lower priority amongst the plurality of talk groups, based on detecting activity.