Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving efficiency of fermentation by arginine supplementation, and genetically modified bacterium for use therefor. More particularly the invention provides methods for (i) increasing the production ATP intensive products with arginine supplementation, (ii) increasing utilization of arginine by a C1-fixing bacterium; and (iii) providing C1-fixing bacterium with optimized arginine de-aminase pathways.

Abstract: A composition and a method for preparing a polymer composite article. The composition comprises (A) a filler in an amount of from 10 to 90 wt. The composition also comprises (B) a polymer in an amount of from 10 to 90 wt. %. wherein the (B) polymer is selected from polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, or combinations thereof. Further, the composition comprises (C) an organopolysiloxane in an amount of from greater than 0 to 10 wt. %; the (C) organopolysiloxane having at least one silicon-bonded hydroxyl group and a viscosity of from 1,000 to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. The ranges for components (A)-(C) arc based on the total weight of components (A), (B) and (C) in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose drill system, the multipurpose drill system comprising: a drilling rig adapted to drive a drilling assembly; and two or more power sources, wherein at least one of the two or more power sources is a high pressure power source, wherein the drilling assembly is adapted to be in communication with either or both of the two or more power sources.

Abstract: Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorin and/or bacteriochlorin and/or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorins and/or bacteriochlorins and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.

Abstract: A rolling luggage bag includes a cover fixedly coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of panels, arranged in a direction away from the base, wherein the plurality of panels defines an interior chamber, the interior chamber comprising an internal cover fixedly attached to the panels of the fifth panel zone, a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes.

Abstract: Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorin and/or bacteriochlorin and/or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorins and/or bacteriochlorins and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for a double-sided credit card and a method of manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the double-sided credit card comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side comprises a first antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a first financial account, while the second side comprises a second antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a second financial account. An electronic blocker layer is positioned between the first side and the second side such that the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the first financial account is blocked from interfering with the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the second financial account.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for casting building material to form a construction element using a computer-controlled apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: moving the material deposition head and selectively depositing material, to fabricate a formwork; pouring building material in contact with at least a portion of the formwork; at least partially curing the building material, thereby forming the construction element; and removing at least a portion of the formwork from the construction element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for mitigating distribution of metallic debris associated with a catastrophic failure of a battery pack. According to one embodiment, a battery pack includes a first lithium-ion battery cell; a first magnetic surface; and an enclosure. The first magnetic surface may be configured (e.g. positioned) to attract metallic debris associated with a catastrophic failure of the first lithium-ion battery cell. The catastrophic failure may be a result of thermal runaway of the first lithium-ion battery cell.

Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. First, a rigid layer of a transaction card can be placed within a first recess of a first metallic sheet. The first recess can comprise a lip and an opening. Next, a binding layer can be placed on top of the first rigid layer of the transaction card where the binding layer comprises a binding medium. A second rigid layer can be placed on top of the binding layer. A second metallic sheet can be placed on top of the first metallic sheet where the second metallic sheet has a second recess with a lip and an opening. Next, the first metallic sheet can be fused together with the second metallic sheet to form a fused metal sheet. The fused metal sheet can be cut along a border of the opening of the first recess.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a wind turbine is provided, wherein a control scheme is determined for the wind turbine, wherein the control scheme specifies for a future period of time at least a first operating period in which the wind turbine is operated to provide an output of electrical power to a power grid and at least one shutdown period in which the wind turbine is shut down, the shutdown period being arranged temporally after the first operating period. The wind turbine is operated in accordance with the control scheme. Determining the control scheme includes the obtaining of input data, wherein obtaining input data comprises at least monitoring operation of the wind turbine to obtain monitoring data related to the integrity of the wind turbine, and obtaining weather data indicating weather conditions, and the forecasting of two or more operating parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.

Abstract: A pointing controller enables interaction with virtual objects in a virtual or augmented reality environment. The pointing controller comprises a form factor that enables it to be securely positioned in the user's fingers during a pointing gesture. The pointing controller tracks a pointing direction in three-dimensional space based on motion of the pointing controller. The pointing controller furthermore includes one or more control elements such as buttons or touch interfaces to enable additional interactions.

Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. The transaction card can have a first rigid layer having a first external surface and a first internal surface, with a pocket within the first external surface of the first rigid layer. The transaction card can have a second rigid layer having a second external surface and a second internal surface. A binding layer can be located between the first rigid layer and the second rigid layer can affix the first rigid layer to the second internal layer. An integrated circuit chip can be affixed within the pocket of the first rigid layer. A rim can extend from the first external surface of first rigid layer around a first edge of the first rigid layer and a second edge of the second rigid layer and onto the second external surface of the second rigid layer.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to colloidal particles useful for photoacoustic imaging. The particles comprise a photoacoustic imaging agent with an absorbance maximum or plateau in the range of wavelengths 700-1100 nm. The imaging agent also displays low optical absorbance at some wavelength in the range 700-1100 nm. This combination of high and low optical absorbance enables background subtraction in photoacoustic imaging applications. The imaging agent is an organic compound having low aqueous solubility so that it is stably encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the particle. The particle is stabilized by a polymeric surface coating, and the polymeric stabilizing layer on the surface of the particle may contain targeting ligands for targeted diagnostics or therapeutic delivery. The particle core may also contain therapeutic agents or other imaging agents.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.

Abstract: A cable release comprises a control handle, at least one retractable latch pin, and cables connected from the handle to the latch pins. The handle assembly includes a cup with a non-round orifice at one end. A rod within the cup passes through the handle allowing it to spin, so twisting the handle does not cross up its attached control lines. The latch pin assembly includes another cup and a set screw so that a stop tube may be inserted adjustably to establish a gap length between the stop tube and the retractable latch pin in the cup. A spring between the stop tube and a flange of the pin extends the pin when not pulled into a retracted position by the handle. Varying pin lengths and stop tube gaps allows a single pull of the handle to effect simultaneous or sequential releases of articles retained by the pins.

Abstract: A transaction card is described that includes a first print layer, a second print layer, an antenna inlay layer, and a light-emitting element. At least one of the first print layer and the second print layer has a transparent portion through which light transmits. The antenna inlay layer has a loop antenna disposed thereon. The light-emitting element has a two-dimensional form factor and is positioned between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first print layer and the second print layer. The transaction card includes wireless power receiver circuitry that receives a wireless signal via the loop antenna and induces a voltage across terminals of the light-emitting element, causing the light-emitting element to illuminate and emit light through the transparent portion.