Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling the leaves of an aperture in radiation treatment are disclosed. In some embodiments, these systems and methods allow the delivery of different radiation fluences to different parts of a treatment volume in a single rotation of the aperture around the treatment volume. In some embodiments, different radiation fluences are achieved by radiating different parts of the treatment volume from opposing positions of the aperture around the treatment volume. In some embodiments, different radiation fluences are achieved by assigning different leaf pairs to radiate different parts of the treatment volume.

Abstract: A method for rapidly determining feasibility of a force optimization problem and for rapidly solving a feasible force optimization problem is disclosed. The method comprises formulating the force optimization problem or force feasibility problem as a convex optimization problem, formulating a primal barrier subproblem associated with the convex optimization problem, and solving the primal barrier subproblem. The method and related methods may also be used to solve each problem in a set of force optimization problems, determine the minimum or maximum force required to satisfy any of a set of force optimization problems, solve a force closure problem, compute a conservative contact force vector, or solve a feasible force optimization problem with bidirectional forces.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for and methods of registering (i.e., aligning) a deformable image with a reference image subject to a spatially variant flexibility model and/or a non-Gaussian smoothing model. These systems and methods allow for the consideration of differences between the ways in which structures of interest may move within a patient. The registration includes modifying the deformable image to match similar features in the reference image. The systems include a deformation engine configured for performing a deformation algorithm subject to the spatially variant flexibility and/or smoothing models.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of managing financial transactions such as the prepayments of loans. Various embodiments of the invention allow a lender to pay a prepayment credit to a borrower under certain conditions, and under other conditions for the borrower to pay a prepayment fee to the lender. Prepayment credits and fees may be calculated using various formulas that account for changes in a value of the debt and/or changes in financial conditions such as interest rates. Any prepayment fees may be subject to limitations configured to avoid settlement of debt for less than fair market value and to avoid undesirable accounting consequences associated with prepayment.

Abstract: An improved particle beam treatment system optionally includes exchangeable particle beam nozzles. These particle beam nozzles may be automatically moved from a storage location to a particle beam path or between particle beam paths for use in medical applications. Movement may be achieved using a conveyance, gantry, rail system, or the like. The improved particle beam treatment system optionally also includes more than two alternative particle beam paths. These alternative particle beam paths may be directed to a patient from a variety of different angles and in different planes.

Abstract: A method for executing operations upon a linked data structure having at least one element such that the time during which the linked data structure is locked is reduced. The method includes performing a first set of operation tasks in a first phase, the first set of operation tasks being operable to effect a first set of element state transitions. A second set of operation tasks is developed in the first phase, the second set of operation tasks being operable to effect a second set of element state transitions, the second set of element state transitions being distinct from the first set of element state transitions. The second set of operation tasks is performed in a second phase. The method finds particular implementation in the rebalancing of tree data structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods include coordinated (KV) and megaelectronvolt (MV) computerized tomography (CT) imaging. KV and MV data are combined using a normalization process in order to generate CT images. The resulting CT images can include an improved signal to noise ratio in comparison to CT images generated using either KV or MV imaging alone. The coordinated KV and MV imaging process may be accomplished in significantly less time than using KV or MV imaging alone. This time savings has advantages in treatment verification. The MV projections are optionally generated using MV x-rays configured for x-ray treatment. In these cases the combined projections will reflect the treatment volume.