5 Annual Report 2017 5 Transcriptional Control in Alicyclobacillus Acidocaldarius and Associated Genes, Proteins, and Methods The genome of Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius contains coding sequences for proteins related to the cell’s growth and carbon processing. Genes and proteins described in this patent may represent targets for the metabolic engineering of this or other organisms. This genetic engineering may optimize cellular processes and directly affect enzymes used to process biomass outside the cell or control production of valuable secondary metabolites. These metabolites can be used in the production of renewable fuels and other valuable chemicals. Patent No. 9,499,824 granted 11/22/2016 to Brady D. Lee, David N. Thompson,William A. Apel, Vicki S. Thompson, David W. Reed and Jeffrey A. Lacey Methods of Decontaminating Surfaces and Related Compositions To respond to nuclear, biological or chemical emergencies, government agencies must be prepared to mitigate hazards. A method of decontamination includes applying this patented foam composition to a contaminated surface and then removing the foam, along with the contamination, from the surface. Patent No. 9,499,772 granted 11/22/2016 to Rick L. Demmer, Daniel J. Crosby and Christopher J. Norton Gadolinium-loaded Gel Scintillators for Neutron and Antineutrino Detection Radiation detection is used in many applications including science, medicine and security. A wide range of such applications may benefit from improvements in materials used in radiation detectors. A gel scintillator exploits positive aspects of liquid scintillators while avoiding stability problems of solid polymers. It will allow for neutron and gamma-ray detection and for more efficient, stable and safe operation of radiation detectors. Patent No. 9,505,977 granted 11/29/2016 to Catherine L. Riddle, Douglas W. Akers, Rick L. Demmer, Patricia D. Paviet and Mark W. Drigert Circuits and Methods for Impedance Determination Using Active Measurement Cancellation As a battery ages its storage capacity will decrease, so observations of battery parameters are necessary. For many systems, measurements need to be performed without disconnecting the terminals of the battery. This is conventionally done by placing a shunt with known impedance in series with the battery and injecting a signal into the shunt and battery. Active Measurement Cancellation is a simple, real- time method for directly measuring impedance without the use of an imbedded system shunt. Patent No. 9,519,031 granted 12/13/2016 to David K. Jamison Patent No. 9,574,713