Abstract: Structures that implement three-dimensional (3D) conductive material (e.g., copper) in printed circuit boards (PCBs) are disclosed. 3D (three-dimensional) conductive material may include trenches and/or buried vias that are filled with conductive material in the PCBs. Trenches may be formed in build-up layers of a PCB by overlapping multiple laser drilled vias. The trenches may be filled with conductive material using electroplating process(es). Buried vias may be formed through the core layers of the PCB by mechanical drilling. The buried via may be filled with solid conductive material using a combination of electroless plating and electrolytic plating of conductive material. Various PCB structures are disclosed that implement combinations of these trenches and/or these buried vias filled with conductive material.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the vibration response of a rotating system are provided. In one aspect, an optimized balance shot or solution that indicates one or more physical locations at which one or more balancing weights are to be added or removed from the rotating system is generated. The balance shot is generated based on a transfer function that is customized specifically for the rotating system. The transfer function is generated by applying one or more machine-learned models to parameter values for parameters that are associated with the rotating system. The machine-learned models can generate main effects plots, and from the plots, an effective set of parameter values can be determined. The transfer function can be generated using the effective set of parameter values so that the transfer function used to generate the balance shot is optimized specifically for the rotating system undergoing the balancing process.

Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assay method for the detection of viable microbial cells in a sample, the assay method comprising the steps of: i) adding an ATP degrading enzyme to a sample suspected of containing viable microbial cells to substantially degrade any extracellular ATP in the sample; ii) adding a phosphate containing compound to the sample to substantially halt action of the ATP degrading enzyme; and iii) subjecting the sample to a detection assay to establish the level of undegraded ATP in the sample to provide an indication of the level of viable microbial cells in the sample.

Abstract: A flexible clay liner in roll form for use on steep slopes. The liner includes a layer of geotextiles. The geotextiles are stitched together in rows of stitches which extend along the length of the liner. The thread used to make the stitching is a multifilament thread treated with a resin to prevent wicking through the liner. The spacing of the rows of stitches and the frequency of stitches along the rows are sufficient to transfer shear stresses through the bentonite layers, thus preventing the bentonite from becoming a shear plane.

Abstract: A flexible clay liner in roll form for use on steep slopes. The liner includes a layer of geotextiles. The geotextiles are stitched together in rows of stitches which extend along the length of the liner. The thread used to make the stitching is a multifilament thread treated with a resin to prevent wicking through the liner. The spacing of the rows of stitches and the frequency of stitches along the rows are sufficient to transfer shear stresses through the bentonite layers, thus preventing the bentonite from becoming a shear plane.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of ATP from a microorganism which comprises contacting said microroganism with an ATP releasing agent and thereafter contacting the resultant solution with a neutralizing agent which acts substantially to eliminate the distorting effect of the releasing agent on subsequent ATP assay.