Abstract: A radiation therapy system is equipped with a combined imaging system, such as an imaging system combining computed tomography (CT), spectral CT, and single photon emission tomography imaging (SPECT), for guidance of radiation beams providing radiotherapy. The system can include at least one x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam at a low energy level for imaging and/or an x-ray beam at a high energy level for radiation therapy. The system can also include at least one imager, such as a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) or cadmium telluride (CdTe) flat-panel imager that receives x-ray beams traversing a subject from the x-ray source and gamma rays emitted by radioisotope tracers injected into the subject. Based on the guidance of the triple images (CT, spectral CT, and SPECT), a computer system can control the radiation therapeutic beam delivery to target areas, such as lesions and/or tumors.

Abstract: An automated rumble strip assembly includes a frame having a top surface configured to support a vehicle tire moving along the frame. The automated rumble strip assembly also includes a plurality of elongate members disposed within the frame, wherein each elongate member includes an elongate member housing, an internal carriage assembly disposed within the elongate member housing and moveable within the elongate member housing, and an actuator assembly coupled to the internal carriage configured to move the internal carriage relative to the elongate member housing.

Abstract: Provided herein are N-heterocyclic phosphines (NHPs) useful in metal-free phosphorus-carbon bond forming reactions. Methods for preparing vinylphosphonates using NHPs also are provided. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods of labeling, identifying and differentiating microorganisms using functionalized Buckyballs are provided herein. The invention further provides methods for imaging or inhibiting gene expression using functionalized Buckyballs of the invention. The invention also provides a system for labeling, identifying and differentiating microorganisms.

Abstract: Magnetic wheels, steel-climbing robots, and methods and systems for inspection of steel structures are disclosed, along with variations, alternatives, and modifications. A disclosed magnetic wheel has radially oriented rare-earth magnets disposed in an elastomeric wheel body. The magnets are disposed in circumferential rings about the wheel's axis. Neighboring rings have azimuthally staggered patterns. A steel-climbing robot employing such magnetic wheels is capable of traversing steel structures including obstacles, discontinuities, 90° joints, and rough surfaces.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided herein for diagnosing samples as including a fungus, including fungal infection or contamination, with specific monoclonal antibodies capable of detecting molecules associated with fungi in the sample, such as a biological or environmental sample. These molecules can be identified using various methods, including but not limited to antibody based methods, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), or a lateral flow immunoassay.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of converting waste, such as wet biomass, to a clean product and energy, including heat, and/or power. The disclosed method combines hydrothermal processing, also known as anaerobic hydrothermal carbonization, followed by wet air oxidation, adding sufficient oxygen to ensure rapid and complete destruction of organics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of aryl compounds and polymers thereof that are made using methods that do not require harsh conditions or expensive reagents. The methods disclosed herein utilize precursor compounds that can be polymerized to form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polymers, such as carbon-based polymers like nanostructures (e.g., graphene or graphene-like nanoribbons).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased ?7?1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent increases ?7?1 integrin expression or activity as compared to ?7?1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing ?7?1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for studying a Tat gene. Specifically, the disclosure provides a vector comprising a double-stranded nucleic acid construct which comprises a Tat gene and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter element, and further wherein the double-stranded nucleic acid construct comprising AAVS1 (adeno-associated virus integration site, a safe harbor locus) arms that flank on both sides of the Tat gene and the reporter element for integration at the human AAVS1 site by homologus recombination. Further provided are methods of using a cell comprising the vector for studying the effects of exogenous conditions on expression of the Tat gene.

Abstract: A porewater pressure dissipater is disclosed. In one example, a disclosed dissipater includes aggregate; a cylindrical receptacle for receiving the aggregate; a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and one or more openings transcending from the top surface to the bottom surface wherein the plate secures and compacts the aggregate in the cylindrical receptacle; and one or more access tubes coupled to the top surface of the plate wherein the one or more access tubes are positioned over the one or more openings thereby forming a passageway to the cylindrical receptacle. The disclosed dissipater allows piles and shafts to be embedded at the optimum depth without concerns of liquefaction.

Abstract: Coatings for enhancing performance of materials surfaces, methods of producing the coating and coated substrates, and coated condensers are disclosed herein. More particularly, exemplary embodiments provide chemical coating materials useful for coating condenser components.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: Provided herein are functionalized phosphonates and methods for making same via phosphite addition to an atom alpha to an electron withdrawing group. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modeling infrastructure elements in three dimensions are disclosed. An example method can comprise a computer receiving information from a database. The received information can comprise structural information describing a form of a structure and condition information describing a condition of the structure. The computer can create a graphical model of the structure based on the structural information. The computer can further determine, based on the condition information, a condition of one or more portions of the structure, and can color the one or more portions of the structure based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A process for recovering a rare earth element. The process includes adding water and a nonaqueous acid to an ionic liquid, and dissolving an oxide of a first rare earth element directly into the ionic liquid to form an ionic solution comprising at least about 0.1 weight percent water, the acid and an ion of the first rare earth element. The process further includes applying a potential to the ionic solution to deposit the first rare earth element onto an electrode as a metal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are described herein for initiating a second round for a game. A round of the game can comprise: a) pseudo-randomly generating a set of game piece symbols, b) matching a game piece symbol to one or more symbols in the pseudo-random set of possible winning combinations of symbols, c) indicating to the user that the one or more symbols in the pseudo-random set of possible winning combinations of symbols have matched, and d) if all symbols in a possible winning combination of symbols are matched, awarding the user the corresponding payout value of the possible winning combination of symbols. A second round of the game can be offered; if accepted, at least one of the possible winning combinations of symbols with a lowest corresponding payout value that has not yet matched can be removed from the set of possible winning combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a module, system and technique to enhance end bearing stiffness of pile/drilled shafts. In particular, methods, systems and loading modules which account for tip resistance in overall pile/shaft capacity are provided which increase the stiffness of the bearing soil. The techniques utilize a mechanical system to preload the soil under the shaft tip, thus allowing the users to confidently account for the gained resistance at an acceptable level of movement. Each shaft/pile is preloaded during construction to verify its load carrying capability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased ?7?1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent increases ?7?1 integrin expression or activity as compared to ?7?1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing ?7?1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased ?7?1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent increases ?7?1 integrin expression or activity as compared to ?7?1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing ?7?1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.