Abstract: Mounting systems for solar panel assemblies and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, a clamp adapter may be used to mount a conventional panel support structure of a solar panel assembly to a conventional bracket of a base assembly without the use of bolts in at least some embodiments. The clamp adapter may include a rail slot for receiving the structure, a lower flange for receiving a lower surface of a mounting lip of the bracket, and a lateral flange for receiving an upper surface of the mounting lip. The lower flange may be angled to accommodate a variety of mounting lip angles. In some embodiments, the mounting system may also include a connector configured to mechanically connect the bracket and structure.

Abstract: A method of performing a remediation process on a flowline comprises: calculating an asphaltene deposition profile characterizing blockage of the flowline by a deposit of asphaltene; determining, based on the asphaltene deposition profile, whether the blockage exceeds a predetermined level of blockage; and treating the flowline with an asphaltene solvent to dissolve at least a portion of the deposit when the blockage exceeds the predetermined level. A computer program product comprises instructions that are stored on a computer-readable medium and that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to: calculate an asphaltene deposition profile characterizing blockage of a flowline by a deposit of asphaltene; determine, based on the asphaltene deposition profile, whether the blockage exceeds a predetermined level of blockage; and determine to treat the flowline with an asphaltene solvent to dissolve at least a portion of the deposit when the blockage exceeds the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for desalinating a brine includes the use of a cooled intermediate-cold-liquid (ICL), which combines with the brine in a crystallization or freezing tank to produce a slurry of ice, brine, and ICL. The method includes steps for separating the ICL, ice and brine, and returning the separated ICL to the source of cooled ICL tank. The method concludes with the steps of passing the separated brine to the crystallization tank, and melting the separated ice to form desalinated water. The method is significant in that it produces desalinated liquid water and solid salts. The combination of superior heat transfer with high quality purified water and competitive desalination economy makes the disclosed freeze desalination technology an attractive solution for desalination of highly concentrated brines produced in a variety of industries, including but not limited to the oil and gas industry and reject brine management.

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles are conjugated to phosphatidylserine-specific ligands for targeting and binding to surface-exposed phosphatidylserine on tumor cells and tumor vasculature. The ligand may be an annexin (e.g., annexin V). Tumor contrast is significantly increased using the targeted gold nanoparticles. Breast cancer tumors as small as 4 mm, for example, were detectable via computed tomography (CT) within 4 hours after injection of the conjugates, demonstrating usefulness of the conjugates as imaging agents. The targeted gold nanoparticle conjugate may further have a drug conjugated thereto that can be used therapeutically, for example, for cancer treatment. The gold nanoparticle conjugates can also be used for photothermal therapy and can be used in concert with an X-ray radiation treatment for cancer treatment.

Abstract: An assay system and method for generating quantitative data for a subject and a method for treating prostate cancer in a subject by determining an expression level of a biomarker panel in a sample obtained from the subject, the biomarker panel including the genes CDC45, CENPI, CLSPN, ERCC6L, EXO1, NCAPG, BUB1B, CDK1, NUSAP1, RAD51, and RRM2 and optionally E2F7 and/or GSG2, wherein the expression level is obtained by measuring expression of the biomarker panel in the sample, and wherein the subject has a cancer, or is suspected of having a cancer. The cancer may be, for example, prostate cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Bridge helix-modified variant Cas12a and Cas12b proteins having improved DNA cleavage selectivity in comparison to wild type versions of the Cas12a and Cas12b proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant proteins, host cells containing the nucleic acids, and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of cancer treatment, for example of solid tumors, in which CGRP is inhibited, and optionally is administered in tandem with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (e.g., inhibition of Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), PD-1 ligand, and/or Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-Associated protein 4 (CTLA-4)) to bolster anti-tumor immunity and lead to tumor rejection. In one non-limiting embodiment, for example, the cancer treated is breast cancer. In this manner, CGRP inhibitors that target neurochemicals secreted by sensory nerves and are used as migraine treatments can be repurposed in anti-tumor therapy.

Abstract: Interfering nucleic acids and methods of their use in treat prostate cancers, such as aggressive prostate cancers. The nucleic acids may be, for example, short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), antisense RNA, antisense DNA, Chimeric Antisense DNA/RNA, and microRNA (miRNA) oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotide has a seed sequence that is complementary to a sequence of either a gene or an mRNA encoding an androgen receptor (AR) coregulator or a fragment thereof having AR coregulator activity. The nucleic acid compound may have a non-natural modification in the oligonucleotide, and/or an organic moiety conjugated to the oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide has inhibitory activity against the expression or biological activity of the AR coregulator.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a solar panel assembly to a base assembly includes a panel support bracket, a base bracket and a clamp configured to exert a compressive force to hold the panel support bracket and the base bracket together. The clamp comprises a V-shaped clamp body that includes a pair of legs that are spring-loaded to oppose an approximation of the legs by an external compressive force. The clamp includes a pair of receiver slots, with each of the pair of receiver slots located on a corresponding one of the pair of legs. The pair of receiver slots collectively provides a clearance to admit the panel support bracket and the base bracket when the legs are compressed together.

Abstract: A method comprising: obtaining I/Q data associated with a received radar signal; performing background subtraction on the I/Q data to obtain a subtracted signal; applying an algorithm to the subtracted signal to obtain a filtered signal, wherein the algorithm is based on a MSE filter; performing time-gating on the filtered signal to obtain a time-gated signal; applying a FFT to convert the time-gated signal to a frequency-domain signal; and applying a calibration set to the frequency-domain signal to extract an RCS of an OUT; and a system for conducting the method.

Abstract: An instrument landing system comprises: a wideband antenna configured to receive signals in a VHF band; and a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna and configured to implement SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection. A UAS comprises: an instrument landing system comprising: a wideband antenna configured to receive signals in a VHF band; and a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna and configured to implement SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection. A method comprises: receiving, using a wideband antenna, signals in a VHF band; and implementing, using a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna, SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus having a pair of casings hinged in a clamshell arrangement and configured to contain a portion of an electric charging cable, the casings each having an inner space which contains a phase change material for absorbing heat generated during current flow through the electric charging cable.

Abstract: Proton beams can deliver a highly targeted radiation dose to a narrow volume defined by their Bragg peaks. However, Bragg peak range uncertainties persist during dose delivery. Fortunately, pulsed proton beams generate protoacoustic emissions proportional to absorbed proton energy, thereby encoding dosimetry information in a detectable acoustic wave. The present embodiments provide methods and apparatuses to derive and model protoacoustic imaging with an ultrasound transducer, and examine the frequency characteristics of protoacoustic emissions, which are crucial parameters in imaging resolution.

Abstract: A cost-effective aerial detector device is configured to locate ferromagnetic objects in a survey area. The aerial detector device includes a UAV, a sensor housing suspended from the UAV, and the sensor module inside the sensor housing. The sensor module can be a smartphone that includes a magnetometer and a GPS unit.

Abstract: CAR cells and humanized antibodies targeting DCLK1 expressed on/in tumor cells or circulating cancer cells are described as a new method of cancer treatment. The antibodies and cells are safe and effective in patients and can be used to treat cancer expressing the DCLK1 proteins.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) adapted to measure one or more atmospheric conditions has a frame and a plurality of motorized rotors suspended on arms extending outward from the frame. The UAS further includes a flight control module that includes a computer programmable flight control board and a sensor package that has an air sampling scoop, a first sensor positioned inside the air sampling scoop, and a ducted fan inside the air sampling scoop. The ducted fan is configured to draw air through the air sampling scoop in contact with the first sensor. The ducted fan can be configured to operate only when the UAS is above a predetermined altitude. The UAS may also be configured to operate in a “wind vane” mode in which wind speed and direction is determined based on the pitch and heading of the UAS.

Abstract: A USV comprises a buoyant hull structure; an MCU coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a VHF radio coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a satellite radio coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a GPS coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a plurality of weather sensors coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a navigation and propulsion controller coupled to the buoyant hull structure; at least one thruster coupled to the buoyant hull structure and configured to provide propulsion; a battery coupled to the buoyant hull structure; a charge controller coupled to the buoyant hull structure; and a solar panel coupled to the buoyant hull structure and configured to charge the battery.

Abstract: The compound DMX-5804, IUPAC name 5-(4-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)-7-phenyl-3,4a,7,7a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one, is a potent and selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase-4 (MAP4K4). The present disclosure describes a scalable and practical synthesis process for making DMX-5804. The process (1) doesn't rely on transition metals, (2) has reduced duration of reactions, (3) is streamlined with significantly improved yields using low cost raw materials, (4) includes no microwave-assisted reactions, (5) does not require column purification, and (6) generally results in crystalized products having over a 95% purity in each step. The present disclosure also describes DMX-5804 analogs and derivatives for use in inhibiting MAP4K4, and scalable and practical processes for making such DMX-5804 analogs.

Abstract: A method for using a surgical enhanced visualization system for enhancing a surgical operation includes the steps of acquiring patient reference data, loading the patient reference data and features into the computer, and acquiring live data from the operating suite during the surgical operation, where the live data includes a live three dimensional model of the patient. The method continues with the steps of registering the patient reference data and live data and displaying in real time an overlay of selected registered patient reference data onto the patient through the headset worn by the surgeon. The surgical enhanced visualization system may include a computer adapted to store reference data, a sensor module inside the surgical suite that is configured to record live data during the surgical procedure, and an augmented reality headset configured to display both live data and reference data to the surgeon during the surgical procedure.