Abstract: An image processing method of the present disclosure may include receiving a scanned image, and processing the received image through an octave convolution-based neural network to output a high-quality image and an edge image for the received image. The octave convolution-based neural network may include a plurality of octave encoder blocks and a plurality of octave decoder blocks. Each octave encoder block may include an octave convolutional layer, and may be configured to output a high-frequency feature map and a low-frequency feature map for the image.

Abstract: A multi-port converter includes a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that provides a faster dynamic response to load changes than prior art systems, and enables either downsizing of the main energy storage system (ESS) to increase the life of the main ESS (e.g. energy battery), or retaining the same size ESS and increasing the range or life of the power source. The multi-port convertor can advantageously result in lower investment and maintenance costs, and can also advantageously provide a path for inputs to directly feed the load. All these benefits can be achieved while reducing the number of active switches and overall component count as compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: Scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering include a skeleton and a host component. Methods of preparation of scaffolds include identification of biodegradation properties for the skeleton and the host component. The skeleton is constructed to form a three-dimensional shape. The skeleton is constructed of a first material and has a first rate of biodegradation. The host component fills the three-dimensional shape formed by the skeleton. The host component is constructed of a second material and has a second rate of biodegradation. The first rate of biodegradation is slower than the second rate of biodegradation.

Abstract: An anchoring device for securing objects within a rack mount system using fasteners. The anchoring device has a base portion with flush and anchor faces, the anchor faces defining apertures. Hooks are provided for securing the anchoring device to the rack mount system. Each hook has a horizontal arm with base and distal ends, and a vertical arm with upper and lower ends. Each base end is coupled to the anchor face and each distal end is coupled to the upper end of one vertical arm. Hooks are receivable within openings in the rack mount system to secure the anchoring device. The apertures in the base portion align with the openings in the rack mount system when the anchoring device is secured to the rack mount system such that the object is securable to the rack mount system by engaging the fasteners with the apertures in the anchoring device.

Abstract: A resonator includes a body, the body having a planar surface. An aperture through the body is configured to receive a tube configured for a fluid to be tested. A gap extends into the body from the planar surface to the aperture. At least one cut extends through the body from the planar surface towards the aperture. The at least one cut extends across the gap.

Abstract: Passive wireless sensors include an antenna. The antenna receives a combined signal. The combined signal includes a low frequency modulating signal modulated on a high frequency carrier wave. A demodulator receives the combined signal and extracts the modulating signal. A sensor receives the extracted modulating signal and produces an output signal with a time delay indicative of a property to be sensed. A modulator receives the output signal and the high frequency carrier wave and modulates the output signal onto the high frequency carrier wave to create a combined output signal broadcast by the antenna.

Abstract: An actuation system for preventing actuation of a base device upon a non-target substrate. The actuation system includes a detector configured to generate and transmit a profile signal of a test substrate. A processing unit is in communication with the detector and configured to receive the profile signal of the test substrate from the detector, the processing unit being configured to determine whether the profile signal of the test substrate corresponds to a profile signal of a target substrate, and to generate an actuation signal if the profile signal of the test substrate corresponds to the profile signal of the target substrate. An actuation unit is in communication with the processing unit and the base device, the actuation unit being configured to receive the actuation signal from the processing unit and to permit the base device to actuate when receiving the actuation signal.

Abstract: An actuation system for preventing actuation of a base device upon a non-target substrate. The actuation system includes a detector configured to generate and transmit a profile signal of a test substrate. A processing unit is in communication with the detector and configured to receive the profile signal of the test substrate from the detector, the processing unit being configured to determine whether the profile signal of the test substrate corresponds to a profile signal of a target substrate, and to generate an actuation signal if the profile signal of the test substrate corresponds to the profile signal of the target substrate. An actuation unit is in communication with the processing unit and the base device, the actuation unit being configured to receive the actuation signal from the processing unit and to permit the base device to actuate when receiving the actuation signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of sensor fusion for exemplary use with robotic navigation control. Systems and methods include providing local estimates of a target location from a plurality of expert modules that process sensor data. The local estimates are weighted based upon a Mahalanobis distance from an expected estimated value and based upon a Euclidean distance between the local estimates. The local estimates are fused in a Bayesian fusion center based upon the weight given to each of the local estimates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a prosthesis that may be used to replace standard prosthetic material used in osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) surgery. The disclosed prosthesis is not prepared from tissue removed from a patient's tooth and jaw bone, but rather is a synthetic prosthesis. The synthetic prosthesis typically includes a solid part for supporting an optical cylinder and a porous part that facilitates bio-integration of the implanted prosthesis into the patient's eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue. The disclosed methods for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue typically include placing the avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue in a preservation solution comprising at least about 2.75 g/L sugar. Suitable explanted tissues for the disclosed methods may include explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts, such as dental tissue and/or oral tissue. The preservation solution of the disclosed preservation methods may include additional components which may include but are not limited to inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents. The preservation solution may be prepared from a powder formulation having a long shelf-life.

Abstract: A variable stiffness actuator comprises a flexure plate which comprises a first cantilevered beam that extends inwards from an outer periphery of the flexure plate. A housing and the flexure plate rotatable about a common joint axis. A first contactor is pivotably secured at a revolute joint to the housing. The first contactor rotates about the revolute joint at a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis offset on the housing from the joint axis. The first contactor engages the first cantilevered beam at a variable angle about the rotation axis to adjust a stiffness of a mechanical connection between the flexure plate and the housing.

Abstract: Split-crank pedaling devices and methods of operation support patient use and rehabilitation, particularly for stroke patients. A split-crank pedaling device includes first and second crank assemblies. First and second motors are operably connected to the first and second crank assemblies. A first shaft sensor produces an indication of a position of the shaft of the first crank assembly. A second shaft sensor produces an indication of a position of the shaft of the second crank assembly. A controller is communicatively connected to the first and second motors and the first and second shaft sensors and calculates a phase error between the positions of the first and second shafts and a predetermined phase relationship between the first and second shafts. The controller operates at least one of the first motor or the second motor to provide a supplemental torque to one of the first crank assembly and the second crank assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds with increased plasma stability that modulate PAR1 signaling, and methods of using them. The present invention provides methods of using the novel PAR1 modulators for the treatment of a number of disorders, including, inflammation, thrombosis, kidney disease, sepsis, stroke, as well as proliferation-related diseases. Furthermore, the PAR1 modulators of the present invention provide cytoprotection for certain cells and tissues, for example, in coronary blood vessels and tissues after a heart attack.

Abstract: Systems and methods of diagnosing open-circuit fault in power converters receives a neutral point current value, a switching state of the power converter, and load current values. At least one fault condition is identified based upon the switching state of the power converter and the load current values. The neutral point current value current value is compared to the at least one fault condition. An open circuit fault is determined to be present at the switching state of the power converter based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Devices for controlling movement of aerial buckets via hydraulic systems. Each hydraulic system has valves that control movement of the aerial bucket. A control head of the device has a joystick that is moveable and encoders that detect movement of the joystick. A valve actuator manifold of the device is coupled between the control head and the hydraulic system and supports valve actuators moveably coupled to the valves. Servo drive systems supported by the valve actuator manifold are coupled to the valve actuators and are controllable to move the valve actuators. A processor module of the device is in communication with the encoders and the servo drive systems. The processor module controls the servo drive systems based on input from the encoders such that moving the joystick controls movement of the aerial bucket.

Abstract: Scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering include a skeleton and a host component. Methods of preparation of scaffolds include identification of biodegradation properties for the skeleton and the host component. The skeleton is constructed to form a three-dimensional shape. The skeleton is constructed of a first material and has a first rate of biodegradation. The host component fills the three-dimensional shape formed by the skeleton. The host component is constructed of a second material and has a second rate of biodegradation. The first rate of biodegradation is slower than the second rate of biodegradation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes, systems, and catalysts for improving pyrolysis technology. The disclosed processes and systems utilize a catalyst to increase pyrolysis gas (py-gas) and decrease bio-oil yields in pyrolysis reactions. The disclosed catalysts may include biochar derived from pyrolysis of industrial residuals, such as pyrolysis of wastewater biosolids (WB) and paper mill sludge (PMS). The disclosed catalysts also may include ash derived from incineration of wastewater biosolids (“biosolids incineration ash” (BIA)).

Abstract: Scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering include a skeleton and a host component. Methods of preparation of scaffolds include identification of biodegradation properties for the skeleton and the host component. The skeleton is constructed to form a three-dimensional shape. The skeleton is constructed of a first material and has a first rate of biodegradation. The host component fills the three-dimensional shape formed by the skeleton. The host component is constructed of a second material and has a second rate of biodegradation. The first rate of biodegradation is slower than the second rate of biodegradation.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent markers that include a known number of copies of a fluorescently-labeled protein regularly interspersed along the length of the fluorescent marker. The fluorescent markers may be used to quantify fluorescently-labeled samples in fluorescent microscopy.