Abstract: A hybrid, modularized, tailored and re-configurable distributed monitoring and characterization device for bodies of water and sediments, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and water reservoirs. The device includes individual nodes, which are deployed as either a stand-alone or networked system. Each node is a multi-physics and multi-purpose piece of equipment with electronics and sensors configured into different modules which interconnect similar to building blocks. The device provides two housing options: a hard shell housing option for shallow water and an oil-filled soft shell housing scheme for deep water.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system and method for mapping traffic speed and density while preserving privacy. The system can include fixed stations that make up a network and mobile probes that are associated with vehicles. The system and method do not gather, store, or transmit any unique or identifying information, and thereby preserves the privacy of members of traffic. The system and method provide real-time traffic density and speed mapping. The system and method can further be integrated with a complementary flood monitoring system and method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions to eliminate cold storage-induced sweetening of potato or sweet potato. The invention is accomplished in part by silencing the vacuolar acid invertase gene using RNAi technology. The resulting potatoes withstand cold storage without significant hexogenesis, producing potatoes or sweet potatoes that have reduced Maillard reactions when fried in hot oil. The fried products accumulate significantly lower levels of acrylamide compared to controls.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system and method for mapping traffic speed and density while preserving privacy. The system can include fixed stations that make up a network and mobile probes that are associated with vehicles. The system and method do not gather, store, or transmit any unique or identifying information, and thereby preserves the privacy of members of traffic. The system and method provide real-time traffic density and speed mapping. The system and method can further be integrated with a complementary flood monitoring system and method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions to eliminate cold storage-induced sweetening of potato or sweet potato. The invention is accomplished in part by silencing the vacuolar acid invertase gene using RNAi technology. The resulting potatoes withstand cold storage without significant hexogenesis, producing potatoes or sweet potatoes that have reduced Maillard reactions when fried in hot oil. The fried products accumulate significantly lower levels of acrylamide compared to controls.

Abstract: Resistance genes and their encoded proteins from the wild potato, Solanum bulbocastanum, are disclosed. The genes and proteins are useful for conferring disease resistance to plants, particularly solanaceous species such as potato and tomato. In particular, the genes confer resistance to potato late blight. Compositions and methods that use the genes and proteins to enhance plant disease resistance are also disclosed, as are transgenic plants that comprise the resistance genes.