Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for environment-adaptive robotic disinfecting. In an example, provided is a method that can include (i) creating, from digital images, a map of a structure; (ii) identifying a location of a robot in the structure; (iii) segmenting, using a machine learning-based classifying algorithm trained based on object affordance information, the digital images to identify potentially contaminated surfaces within the structure; (iv) creating a map of potentially contaminated surfaces within the structure; (v) calculating a trajectory of movement of the robot to move the robot to a location of a potentially contaminated surface in the potentially contaminated surfaces; and (vi) moving the robot along the trajectory of movement to position a directional decontaminant source adjacent to the potentially contaminated surface. Other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon-metal oxide composite material comprising: (i) carbon-carbon composite particles in which an amorphous carbon black core is bonded to crystalline graphitic carbon shells; and (ii) a metal oxide material bonded with said carbon-carbon composite particles, wherein said metal oxide material is included in an amount of at least about 10 wt. % by weight of said carbon-carbon composite particles and metal oxide material. Alkali-ion batteries containing the above-described composite as anode are also described. Methods for producing the above-described composite are also described. The method can include, for example, subjecting pulverized rubber tire waste to a sulfonation process and pyrolyzing the sulfonated rubber to produce the carbon-carbon composite particles, as described above, followed by admixing and compounding a metal oxide material with the carbon-carbon composite particles.

Abstract: A method for functionalizing cantilevers is provided that includes providing a holder having a plurality of channels each having a width for accepting a cantilever probe and a plurality of probes. A plurality of cantilever probes are fastened to the plurality of channels of the holder by the spring clips. The wells of a well plate are filled with a functionalization solution, wherein adjacent wells in the well plate are separated by a dimension that is substantially equal to a dimension separating adjacent channels of the plurality of channels. Each cantilever probe that is fastened within the plurality of channels of the holder is applied to the functionalization solution that is contained in the wells of the well plate.

Abstract: This invention provides SARM compounds and uses thereof in treating a variety of diseases or conditions in a subject, including, inter alia, a muscle wasting disease and/or disorder or a bone-related disease and/or disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel cadherin peptide that enhances the toxicity of Cry proteins. A novel insecticide composition comprising an effective amount of cadherin peptide having SEQ. ID. NO:2 and an effective amount of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry protein wherein the cadherin peptide comprises a Cry3Aa toxin binding region from the full-length T. molitor cadherin and has synergistic characteristics of a binary toxin potentiating Cry3 and Cry1 toxins against coleopterans and lepidopteran species, respectively.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing data are provided. An expert system receives input from at least a first source. Data is imported and analyzed by an expert system, wherein the expert system makes at least one first decision, which characterizes the data based on a rule base. The at least one first decision is displayable and modifiable by a first input from a first source. In response to the first input from the first source, the rule base may be re-applied to make at least one second decision, wherein the at least one second decision is different from the at least one first decision, or the at least one first decision may be accepted. The at least one first decision or the at least one second decision is then displayable and modifiable in response to a first input from a second source.

Abstract: The subject invention provides plants with excellent resistance to powdery mildew. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides dogwood (Cornus florida) cultivars that are resistant to infestation with powdery mildew. Specifically exemplified herein are culitvars identified as ‘Jean's Appalachian Snow’, ‘Kay's Appalachian Mist’, and ‘Karen's Appalachian Blush’. The present invention also provides materials and methods for identifying, characterizing, and/or producing powdery mildew resistant plants. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides polynucleotide sequences, and patterns of polynucleotide sequences, which are associated with resistance to powdery mildew. These polynucleotides are characteristic of the powdery mildew resistant plants as described herein. Such polynucleotides are particularly useful in identifying and characterizing plant having resistance to powdery mildew.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce a decorative appearance on the surface of a bumper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to create a decorative alloyed layer on the surface of a bumper.

Abstract: The invention comprises a DC link resonant converter for controlling the speed of AC machines. Switch and power supply means is provided to establish a bi-directional initial current in the resonant circuit. By selecting the plurality and magnitude of the initial current, the peak voltage of the resonant link is controlled, and reliable zero crossing of the resonant voltage is assured. Current technology permits resonant frequencies in the range of 50-100 kilohertz to be utilized.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies demonstrating reactivity to genus-specific epitopes present on outer membrane proteins of bacteria of the genus Legionella and hybridomas for secreting the antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptide fragments of streptococcal M protein named CB3, CB4, and CB5 and related synthetic peptides have been identified. When linked to a protein carrier which is polylysine the conjugates of CB3, CB4, CB5, and S-CB3 are capable of evoking type specific opsonic antibodies against streptococci.