Abstract: A dispatch database maintains, for a plurality of vehicles available for dispatch, vehicle data and constraints data. A processor is programmed to execute a dispatch server to perform operations including to receive a dispatch request requesting a vehicle to arrive at a request location, utilize a machine-learning model to identify one or more of the plurality of vehicles to respond to the dispatch request, the machine-learning model utilizing the vehicle data and the constraints data as inputs to determine the one or more of the plurality of vehicles, and inform the one or more of the plurality of vehicles of the dispatch request.

Abstract: Methods for liquefaction of carbonaceous materials, including methods that use electromagnetic radiation. Systems for liquefaction of carbonaceous materials. The systems may include a circulation conduit for mixing reactants, and/or a heating apparatus that relies on electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for generating an immune score, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a sample; (ii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling in the sample; (iii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden in the sample; (iv) generating, using a predictive algorithm, an immune score based on the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling, and the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden.

Abstract: A method for generating an immune score, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a sample; (ii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling in the sample; (iii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden in the sample; (iv) generating, using a predictive algorithm, an immune score based on the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling, and the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden.

Abstract: A method for characterizing tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, comprising: (i) obtaining tissue from the tumor; (ii) measuring, using the tissue, expression of one or more cell proliferation gene markers; (iii) determining, based on the measured expression of the one or more cell proliferation gene markers, a proliferation profile of the tumor; (iv) predicting, based on the determined proliferation profile, response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy; and (v) determining, by a physician using the predicted response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, a therapy for the tumor.

Abstract: A method for characterizing response of a tumor to immunotherapy, including: (i) obtaining tissue from the tumor; (ii) generating, from the obtained tissue, an immune gene expression dataset comprising gene expression data for a plurality of immune genes; (iii) calculating, from the immune gene expression dataset, an immunogenic signature score; (iv) identifying, based on the calculated immunogenic signature score, the tumor as strongly immunogenic, moderately immunogenic, or weakly immunogenic; and (v) predicting, based on the identification of the tumor as strongly immunogenic, moderately immunogenic, or weakly immunogenic, the response of the tumor to immunotherapy.

Abstract: A method for characterizing tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, comprising: (i) obtaining tissue from the tumor; (ii) measuring, using the tissue, expression of one or more cell proliferation gene markers; (iii) determining, based on the measured expression of the one or more cell proliferation gene markers, a proliferation profile of the tumor; (iv) predicting, based on the determined proliferation profile, response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy; and (v) determining, by a physician using the predicted response of the tumor to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, a therapy for the tumor.

Abstract: A method for generating an immune score, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a sample; (ii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling in the sample; (iii) determining a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden in the sample; (iv) generating, using a predictive algorithm, an immune score based on the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of T-cell receptor signaling, and the determined qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of mutation burden.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of genomic variants using next generation sequencing platforms, and increasing the positive predictive value and/or sensitivity of detection. The invention relates to methods and systems for detecting the presence or absence of at least one specific genetic variant, including an allelic variant, in a biological sample. Accurately detecting genetic variants can lead to more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various conditions and disease, including cancer.

Abstract: An aerial conveyor system for transporting bulk materials is provided. The aerial conveyor system includes, among other things, a first anchor tower disposed proximate to a loading end, a second anchor tower disposed proximate to a discharge end, at least one support cable extending between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower, a belt conveyor system extending between the loading end and the discharge end and at least one pivot tower disposed between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower. The at least one pivot tower includes a support structure connected to the at least one support cable, a base and a pivot structure configured to allow the support structure to pivot relative to the base to substantially equalize dynamic tensions of the at least one support cable between the first anchor tower and the pivot tower and the second anchor tower and the pivot tower.

Abstract: An aerial conveyor system for transporting bulk materials is provided. The aerial conveyor system includes, among other things, a first anchor tower disposed proximate to a loading end, a second anchor tower disposed proximate to a discharge end, at least one support cable extending between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower, a belt conveyor system extending between the loading end and the discharge end and at least one pivot tower disposed between the first anchor tower and the second anchor tower. The at least one pivot tower includes a support structure connected to the at least one support cable, a base and a pivot structure configured to allow the support structure to pivot relative to the base to substantially equalize dynamic tensions of the at least one support cable between the first anchor tower and the pivot tower and the second anchor tower and the pivot tower.

Abstract: The portable barge access ladder has a pair of coaming frame members positioned outside of a barge coaming with a plurality of safety treads there-between forming a coaming ladder portion. The ladder includes transverse frame members extending across the barge coaming with a decking tread member there-between forming a walkway for the operator to easily traverse the coaming. Angled hold frame members extend into the barge hold with conventional safety treads there-between at least partially forming a hold access ladder portion. The ladder includes adjustable legs slidably received in the hold frame members with one or more auxiliary treads attachable to the legs forming optional additional treads for the ladder as the legs are extended. The removable auxiliary treads will be used where the legs are extended beyond standard tread spacing. A combing securing mechanism is provided to prevent ladder lateral slippage during use.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for limiting the readability of optically-readable medium, wherein a combination of a liquid crystal material and a wavelength shifting material are incorporated into the optically-readable medium. The liquid crystal material is selected to substantially interfere with the reading beam of a reading device. The wavelength shifting material is selected to shift the wavelength at which the liquid crystal interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can read the optically-readable medium. A predetermined stimulus causes the liquid crystal material to shift back to a configuration that substantially interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can no longer read the content on the optically readable medium.

Abstract: A marking system that includes forming at least one marking in or on an article, wherein the image formed is not visible to the unaided human observer, and further contains at least one digital watermark. The digitally watermarked image comprises emissive and photoabsorptive portions. The digitally watermarked image is applied using a substance reactive to a predetermined excitation source, and exposure to ultraviolet light. Other traditional techniques, such as printing with fluorescent inks may be used in combination. The digitally watermarked image is subsequently observable upon exposure to the predetermined excitation source. The digitally watermarked image may be observed and decoded by appropriately configured detection systems, wherein the information obtained may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, authentication and security of the article or information contained within the article.

Abstract: The invention is directed to conformal coatings that provide excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conformal coating comprises an insulating layer and a conducting layer containing electrically conductive material. The insulating layer comprises materials for protecting a coated object. The conducting layer comprises materials that provide EMI shielding such as carbon black, carbon buckeyballs, carbon nanotubes, chemically-modified carbon nanotubes and combinations thereof. The insulating layer and the conductive layer may be the same or different, and may be applied to an object simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to objects that are partially or completely coated with a conformal coating that provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for limiting the readability of optically-readable medium, wherein a combination of a liquid crystal material and a wavelength shifting material are incorporated into the optically-readable medium. The liquid crystal material is selected to substantially interfere with the reading beam of a reading device. The wavelength shifting material is selected to shift the wavelength at which the liquid crystal interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can read the optically-readable medium. A predetermined stimulus causes the liquid crystal material to shift back to a configuration that substantially interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can no longer read the content on the optically readable medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for recording a marking in the readout area of an optical media, wherein the marking does not interfere, or substantially interfere, with the readout of data from the optical media. The system disclosed herein is supportive of commercial production requirements. Markings may contain content as desired by the user of the system, including text, graphics, or other items. The marking is formed in a photosensitive coating that is applied to the optical media, and then cured with a first light. A second light, having a substantially separate band of wavelengths from the first light, is used to image a marking into the coating. The coating is robust to many external influences, such as ambient environmental conditions, and physical wear.

Abstract: The portable barge access ladder has a pair of coaming frame members positioned outside of a barge coaming with a plurality of safety treads there-between forming a coaming ladder portion. The ladder includes transverse frame members extending across the barge coaming with a decking tread member there-between forming a walkway for the operator to easily traverse the coaming. Angled hold frame members extend into the barge hold with conventional safety treads there-between at least partially forming a hold access ladder portion. The ladder includes adjustable legs slidably received in the hold frame members with one or more auxiliary treads attachable to the legs forming optional additional treads for the ladder as the legs are extended. The removable auxiliary treads will be used where the legs are extended beyond standard tread spacing. A combing securing mechanism is provided to prevent ladder lateral slippage during use.

Abstract: The present invention is a capacitor of a triphenyl phosphine oxide film as a base dielectric. More specifically, the base dielectric film is selected from the group consisting of Bisphenol-A (Bis-A PEPO). 4′,4′-biphenol (BP-PEPO), and Hydroquinone (HQ-PEPO). TPPO based polymers have a very high breakdown strength, dielectric constant, low dissipation factor and high energy density. An ultra-thin coating can leverage the capabilities of this new dielectric, and potentially other commercial polymer films, to make possible energy storage in excess of 1 J/cc. The triphenyl phosphine oxide film can be fabricated containing a conducting PolyANiline (PAN) polymer layer located between the electrode and core polymer, or by being dip coated with PAN.