Abstract: A method for retarding the progression of myopia in a human eye, the method comprising: providing (41) a concentric annular multi-zone refractive lens including: at least one correcting zone of optical power for correcting (42) refractive error, and at least one defocusing zone for projecting (43) at least one non-homogenous defocused image in front of at least a part of retina to inhibit myopic eye growth, the at least one defocusing zone having at least one less negative power; wherein the correcting and defocusing zones are alternated (45) in the lens and the zones are connected (46) to each other through integrated progressive transition curves.

Abstract: This invention provides a cyclically-coupled (CC-) quasi-cyclic (QC-) low-density parity-check (LDPC) code and its decoder architecture. The essence of the invention is to introduce the convolutional nature to a plurality of individual block codes internally so as to form a resultant block code with a prolonged code length while slightly increasing the hardware complexity in decoder realization. The CC-QC-LDPC code is formed by cyclically coupling a plurality of sub-codes each being a QC-LDPC code such that overlapping of some variable nodes between two consecutive sub-codes results. The decoder comprises plural sub-decoders each configured to decode the channel messages for one sub-code. The sub-decoders are arranged in a ring shape such that an individual sub-decoder is configured to communicate edge messages with two neighboring sub-decoders adjacent to said individual sub-decoder in the decoding of the channel messages.

Abstract: A voltage balancing circuit is applied to a power supply system. The power supply system comprises N power storage devices. The voltage balancing circuit comprises: N switches, N capacitors and a controller; the N switches are respectively connected to the N serial power storage devices; the N switches are respectively connected to the first terminals of the N capacitors; the second terminals of the N capacitors are connected to a common neutral line; the controller is connected to the N switches through a control line to control the switching of the N switches. The voltage balancing circuit avoids power loss when balancing the voltage of a plurality of serial power storage devices, and is small in size and low-cost, and balances voltage quickly.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell includes dispersing semiconductor nanoparticles on a transparent electrically conductive substrate, dispersing semiconductor nanofibers on the semiconductor nanoparticle layer, adsorbing onto all sides of the semiconductor nanofibers a first light absorption material, thereby sensitizing the semiconductor nanofibers, wherein the light absorption material has a first light absorption bandwidth, and depositing a second light absorption material in contact with and forming respective shells on the respective semiconductor nanofibers on which the first light absorption material is adsorbed, wherein the second light absorption material has a second light absorption bandwidth complementary to the first light absorption bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and a device for the contactless human identification using biometrics images. The present invention develops a robust feature extraction algorithm to recover three-dimensional (3D) shape information from biometrics images. Further, it provides significantly improved performance than what is possible from the state-of-art methods, adding practicality for real applications on mobile platform, smartphones, and also as add-on system for conventional fingerprint system. The present invention's unique advantages are based on its computational simplicity, efficient matching and requiring least storage. Experiments were conducted to confirm very high accuracy and reliability on a number of biometric modalities including iris, palmprint, and finger knuckle images.

Abstract: Method of treating endometriosis and related indications, comprising the administration of Pro-EGCG, a synthetic and derivative product of epigallocatechin-3-gallate [(?)-EGCG]. Use of Pro-EGCG in the manufacture of a medicament for treating endometriosis and related indications. Pro-EGCG for use in the treatment of endometriosis and related indications.

Abstract: A method for generating an EMF model includes establishing a time-domain finite data model associated with an electric device representing the electric device in the time-domain; utilizing the time domain finite data model, determining excitations representing an electrical characteristic of an electrical components of the electric device; and generating an EMF model by processing the excitations with a transformation routine determining an approximate representation of an EMF generated by the electric device. A system for generating the EMF model includes a modelling module establish a time-domain finite data model associated with the electric device and d representing the electric device in the time-domain. The modelling module utilizes the time domain finite data model to determine excitations representing an electrical characteristic of an electrical component of the electric device.

Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst comprising a new form of ZnFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles, and a method for preparing same. The catalyst is useful for catalyzing the esterification of fatty acids or transesterification of triglycerides, wherein the reaction rate and conversion can be enhanced by free fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a current-source-output light-emitting-diode (LED) driver based on LCLC circuit to provide a constant output current regardless of variations in LED parameters. In the LCLC circuit, the number of additional capacitors is scalable with the number of LED strings for current balancing. Moreover, the input impedance of the improved LCLC circuit is designed to be resistive at the operating frequency to minimize reactive power. The conventional duty cycle control can easily incorporate zero-voltage-switching (ZVS).

Abstract: A non-invasive glucose sensor (10) for detecting an amount of glucose in bodily fluid, comprising: an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) having a gate electrode (20); wherein a surface of the gate electrode (20) is modified with an enzyme and a nanomaterial to increase sensitivity and selectivity of the gate electrode (20).

Abstract: A triazole bridged flavonoid dimer compound library was efficiently constructed via the cycloaddition reaction of a series of flavonoid-containing azides (Az 1-15) and alkynes (Ac 1-17). These triazole bridged flavonoid dimers and their precursor alkyne- and azide-containing flavonoids were screened for their ability to modulate multidrug resistance (MDR) in P-gp-overexpressed cell line (LCC6MDR), MRP1-overexpressed cell line (2008/MRP1) and BCRP-overexpressed cell line (HEK293/R2 and MCF7-MX100). Generally, they displayed very promising MDR reversal activity against P-gp-, MRP1- and BCRP-mediated drug resistance. Moreover, they showed different levels of selectivity for various transporters. Overall, they can be divided into mono-selective, dual-selective and multi-selective modulators for the P-gp, MRP1 and BCRP transporters.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing conjugates between macromolecule and nanoparticle by forming a thin reinforcement layer over the surface of a nanoparticle after macromolecule chains have attached to the surface of the nanoparticle. The stabilized conjugates can be used in a wide range of applications such as in vitro diagnostics, in vivo imaging and therapeutics, which need to be conducted under various severe or harsh conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart textile capable of providing acupuncture therapy to the wearer through strategically positioned electrodes throughout the textile, connected via silver coated fabric. Through the instant invention, heat therapy can be applied to specific points on the body, while being safe due to the absence of wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel series of amine-containing flavonoids and compositions containing the compounds, as well as the synthesis and the use of the same. The invention also relates to methods of treatment and prevention of diseases, in particular, parasitic infections including Leishmaniasis, comprising administration of the compounds.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring flow speed of a fluid, comprising: a light-absorbing optical fiber having a fiber Bragg grating inscribed in the fiber; wherein light is emitted into the light-absorbing optical fiber to heat the optical fiber and the fiber Bragg grating, and when the fluid passes over the sensor, the flow speed of the fluid is determined by the rate of heat loss from the sensor, and the temperature of the sensor is determined from the wavelength shift of the central wavelength of the fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract: An optical lens for a light source has an incidence surface receiving light rays emitted from a light source and an aspherical emitting surface optically coupled with the incidence surface for receiving light rays from the incidence surface and emitting light rays received from the incidence surface. The incidence surface defines a cavity for receiving the light source. An opaque or semi-opaque bottom surface adjoins the incidence surface and emitting surface. A lighting device has a substrate, a lighting source located on the substrate, and the optical lens located with the substrate and enclosing the lighting device. A strip light has an elongate substrate having light sources and respective lenses distributed longitudinally along the substrate. Such a strip light using the lens is suitable for lighting the interior of a commercial or domestic refrigerator, chillier cabinet, or other enclosure.

Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline shape memory polymer with transition temperature near body temperature and the production method thereof is disclosed. The shape memory polymer comprises a polymer chain which further comprises a plurality of prepolymers and a plurality of chain extenders bonding the prepolymers together in which each prepolymer further comprises a plurality of synthesized units. The above mentioned synthesized unit is obtained by reacting polymer diol with first diisocyanate. The obtained synthesized units are polymerized together with second diisocyanate and chain extender to form the shape memory polymer.

Abstract: An intelligent adjustable mannequin having a body shape parameter input module and a mannequin backbone structure, the mannequin including an adjustment plate on the backbone structure according to body shape parameters, a curse adjustment mechanism positioned between the adjustment plate and the backbone structure, the backbone structure is also provided with a detector which detects the body shape parameters, and a relative movement between the adjustment plate and the backbone structure is controlled by the girth adjustment mechanism to achieve precise adjustment of body shape curse parameters. The backbone structure is further provided with a length adjustment mechanism to control upward and downward movements of respective parts of the backbone structure to achieve precise adjustment of length parameters.

Abstract: Quinoline derivatives showing anticancer activities against cancer cell lines of hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B), lung carcinoma (A549), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HKESC-1, HKESC-4 and KYSE150).