Abstract: The present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for pressure-pulse decay performed on whole cylindrical samples whose entire outer surface areas are eligible to receive the pulse. Using the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure, not only is the experimental time dramatically shortened, it also allows for simultaneous determination of local permeabilities parallel and perpendicular to their native bedding planes. Currently, there is no permeability-measurement technique to capable of doing so from a single sample from a single test.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). More particularly, disclosed are a variety of antigen specific polypeptides, including soluble, monoclonal, and multivalent forms, as well as methods of using the polypeptides, antibodies that bind the antigen specific polypeptides, and nucleic acids, vectors and expression systems that encode the polypeptides. Antigen specific polypeptides that selectively bind pathogens, like anthrax, and carbohydrates, like blood group determinants, are specifically disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, radiotherapy treatment is provided to a target volume of a patient by configuring a multileaf collimator of a radiation treatment machine in a first orientation so as to form an actual aperture having a first orientation, delivering radiation to the target volume through the actual aperture while in the first orientation with a single pass along an arcuate path centered on the target volume, configuring the multileaf collimator in a second orientation so as to place the actual aperture in a second orientation that is different from the first orientation, and delivering radiation to the target volume through the actual aperture while in the second orientation with a single pass back along the arcuate path such that a relatively large cumulative dose of radiation is delivered to the target volume through a virtual aperture created by an area of overlap between the first and second actual aperture orientations.

Abstract: Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression.

Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided a sensor chip suitable for serological detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a method for detecting serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae using the sensor chip, a detection system that includes the sensor chip, and a method for detecting serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae using the detection system described herein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a transport chair includes a base frame, a seat assembly pivotally mounted to the base, and a footrest assembly pivotally mounted to the base frame, the footrest assembly being associated with the seat assembly so as to pivot in unison with the seat assembly until the seat assembly is pivoted forward to an extent at which the footrest assembly contacts the floor or ground, at which point the footrest assembly does not pivot further upon further forward pivoting of the seat assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for image registration from multiple sources. A method for image registration includes rendering a common field of interest that reflects a presence of a plurality of elements, wherein at least one of the elements is a remote element located remotely from another of the elements and updating the common field of interest such that the presence of the at least one of the elements is registered relative to another of the elements.

Abstract: Provided herein and methods and kits for identifying inhibitors of SUMOylation. The provided methods include contacting a candidate agent with (i) a SUMO-conjugating peptide comprising an N-terminal linker and a detectable tag, and (ii) a SUMO comprising a metal complex, under conditions that allow binding between the SUMO-conjugating peptide and the SUMO, and detecting the detectable tag thereby determining the level of binding between the SUMO-conjugating peptide and SUMO. A reduced level of binding as compared to the level of binding in the absence of the candidate agent indicating the agent inhibits SUMOylation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for analyzing sports impacts includes capturing video of game play from multiple locations using video cameras, tracking the heads of players of the games in the video, computing motion parameters of the heads, and determining if one or more of the motion parameters exceeds a threshold established for that parameter.

Abstract: A method for detecting an open-phase condition of a transformer having a grounded-wye high voltage side connection including monitoring current flowing in a neutral connection on the high voltage side of the transformer in real time by voltage relaying and current relaying to identify an open phase condition signature in a signal capable of characterizing change of current magnitude. A current signal may be injected onto the neutral terminal and the zero-sequence mode of the transformer monitored to detect an open-phase condition indicated by an increase in network impedance and decrease or elimination of the injection current.

Abstract: The use of a purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase or a vector encoding expression of one of these enzymes is detailed along with the use of a prodrug cleaved by the purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase for the preparation of a direct injection inhibition of replicating or non-replicating targeted cells. The targeted cells do not normally express the introduced purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase. The enzyme and prodrug are amenable to intermixing and injection as a single dose or as separate injection or administration to the targeted cells. The substance and prodrug efficacy are enhanced through exposure of the targeted cells to X-ray radiation. Administration of a prodrug regardless of administration route to the targeted cells is effective in combination with X-ray radiation therapy to kill or inhibit function of the targeted cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for assessing machine trajectories for collision avoidance. A three-dimensional model of a patient based at least in part on data received from a three-dimensional imaging device is generated. The three-dimensional model of the patient is aligned with a coordinate system of a three-dimensional model of a radiation treatment machine. It is then determined whether a collision between the patient and the radiation treatment machine will occur at each one of a series of control points of the radiation treatment plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel cell compositions engineered to express at least a chimeric antigen receptor and a survival factor. Methods of using such cell compositions are also described.

Abstract: Novel rexinoid compounds are provided herein. Also provided herein are methods of using the compounds to treat disorders, such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, obesity, steatosis, inflammation, and/or cancer.

Abstract: A Q-switched laser includes a laser cavity including a cavity mirror and an output coupler mirror. The Q-switched laser also includes a doped laser gain material disposed in the laser cavity and a Q-switch including a saturable absorber comprising Fe2+:ZnSe or Fe2+:ZnS.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated polypeptides comprising the amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A (MtpA), wherein the polypeptide is a porin monomer. Also provided are isolated polypeptides comprising the carboxy-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin A, wherein the polypeptide is a toxin. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in a subject with or at risk of developing a Mtb infection. Further provided are chimeric porin polypeptides comprising a first polypeptide comprising an amino-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis porin and a second polypeptide comprising an antigen and the use the chimeric porin polypeptides in methods of eliciting an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: Aeroshells and methods for manufacturing aeroshells are provided. In this regard, a representative aeroshell for a missile formed of a long fiber thermoplastic composite exhibits a wall thickness of no greater than approximately 0.070?.

Abstract: A method of generating an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) comprises introducing to an animal somatic cell at least one nuclear reprogramming inducing factor and a BRD3R polypeptide or at least one nucleic acid expressing the at least one nuclear reprogramming factor and the BRD3R-related polypeptide in the recipient somatic cell, and culturing said cell to generate an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC). The introduction of the BRD3R-related polypeptide into the recipient somatic cell can increase the efficiency of inducing the generation of an iPSC by the at least one nuclear reprogramming inducing factor.

Abstract: Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6C, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit {?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?3) ribitol (5?phosphate}. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.