Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule Epstein-Barr virus-induced G-protein coupled receptor 2 (EBI2) modulator compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions comprising the compounds. EBI2 is a therapeutic target for the treatment of a variety of diseases or conditions. In some embodiments, EBI2 is a therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases or conditions such as, but not limited to, autoimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controller controls the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shape controller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions. The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set of regions. The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shape controller. For example, the shape controller may comprise paper and the more flexible regions may comprise creases in the paper. Or, for example, the more flexible regions may comprise notches or indentations. In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape display changes shape as it inflates, with additional bumps forming as pressure in the display increases.

Abstract: A system for purifying mother liquid steam of polytetrafluoroethylene dispersion liquid comprises a concentration kettle (1), a defoaming pot (2), a gas-liquid separator (3) and a falling film absorption tower (4). A steam exit of the concentration kettle (1) is connected to an entrance of the defoaming pot (2). An exit of the defoaming pot (2) is connected to a feeding port of the gas-liquid separator (3). A gas exit of the gas-liquid separator (3) is connected to the falling film absorption tower (4). A liquid exit of the gas-liquid separator (3) is connected to the concentration kettle (1). A method for purifying mother liquid steam of polytetrafluoroethylene dispersion liquid by using the system is further provided.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for measuring a nonlinearity parameter using laser, and more particularly, an apparatus and a method for measuring a nonlinearity parameter using laser for computing the nonlinearity parameter by irradiating laser of a toneburst signal on a surface of a sample by non-contact type laser so as to excite the sample, irradiating measurement laser beam on the surface of the sample so as to receive displacement information occurring on the surface of the sample over time, measuring the displacement in an interferometer principle, and performing a bandpass filtering for the measured signal so as to measure amplitude A1 of a component of a fundamental frequency and amplitude A2 of a component of a secondary harmonic wave.

Abstract: A Faster-Than-Nyquist (FTN) signal transmission apparatus and method thereof. The signal transmission apparatus includes a pilot interference estimator and compensator configured to estimate interference on pilot symbols by a Faster-Than-Nyquist (FTN) signal generated by FTN modulating a sequence of data symbols, and generate a compensated pilot symbol sequence to cancel the estimated interference; a pilot FTN modulator configured to generate an FTN pilot signal in which inter-pilot symbol interference does not occur, by performing FTN pulse-shaping on the compensated pilot symbol sequence; and a transmitter configured to transmit an FTN data signal and the FTN pilot signal.

Abstract: In illustrative implementations, a time-of-flight camera robustly measures scene depths, despite multipath interference. The camera emits amplitude modulated light. An FPGA sends at least two electrical signals, the first being to control modulation of radiant power of a light source and the second being a reference signal to control modulation of pixel gain in a light sensor. These signals are identical, except for time delays. These signals comprise binary codes that are m-sequences or other broadband codes. The correlation waveform is not sinusoidal. During measurements, only one fundamental modulation frequency is used. One or more computer processors solve a linear system by deconvolution, in order to recover an environmental function. Sparse deconvolution is used if the scene has only a few objects at a finite depth. Another algorithm, such as Wiener deconvolution, is used is the scene has global illumination or a scattering media.

Abstract: The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and placenta growth factor (PIGF) polypeptide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VEGFR1 component.

Abstract: The inventive concept discloses a piezoelectric energy harvesting array and a method of manufacturing the same. The manufacturing method may include forming a plurality of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices; connecting masses to one side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices and connecting the other side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices facing the masses to a base; and individually tuning a resonant frequency of each of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices to prevent mismatch of resonant frequency when the masses vibrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes comprising irradiating an aggregate of chemically bonded or otherwise associated nanoparticles with a light source capable of providing multiphoton excitation, the light source directed at a focal point volume including the aggregate and having sufficient energy to disrupt or fuse the aggregate within the focal point volume to form nanoscale deposits of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: An integrated structure and method of formation provide a lower level waveguide having a core of a first material and a higher level waveguide having a core of a second material and a coupling region for coupling the two waveguides together. The different core materials provided different coupled waveguides having different light loss characteristics.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is provided. The system includes: a stage, a powder supplying device, an energy beam generating device and an atmosphere controlling module. The powder supplying device provides powder to the stage. The energy beam-generating device generates an energy beam and directs the energy beam to the stage. The atmosphere controlling module includes at least one pair of gas inlet-outlet devices coupled around the stage, and a dynamic gas flow controlling device connected with the gas inlet-outlet devices. The dynamic gas flow controlling device dynamically controls an angle between a flow direction of the gas and a moving direction of the energy beam. The angle is predetermined by a scanning strategy.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity terahertz micro-fluidic channel sensor and a preparation method thereof. The sensor includes a substrate and a cover layer, respectively provided with a metal plane reflector and a metal microstructure layer; a micro-fluidic channel is formed between the metal plane reflector and the metal microstructure layer; and when the micro-fluidic channel tests liquid, a composite structure formed of the metal microstructure layer, the test liquid and the metal plane reflector shows good absorption properties. The method includes forming a metal plane reflector and a metal microstructure layer on a substrate and a cover layer, respectively; fixedly connecting the substrate to the cover layer, and forming a closed micro-fluidic channel between the substrate and the cover layer; and forming a through via, communicated to the micro-fluidic channel, on the substrate and/or the cover layer, to form a flow channel for transferring liquid to be tested to or from the sensor.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting a biomass-derived product containing levulinic acid and/or gamma-valerolactone to a transportation fuel precursor product containing diesel like hydrocarbons. These methods are expected to produce fuel products at a reduced cost relative to conventional approaches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing liquid or solid hydrocarbons from syngas via the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the presence of iron-based catalysts, the iron-based catalysts for the use thereof, and a method for preparing the iron-based catalysts; more specifically, in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, liquid or solid hydrocarbons may be prepared specifically with superior productivity and selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons using the iron-based catalysts comprising iron hydroxide, iron oxide, and iron carbide wherein the number of iron atoms contained in the iron hydroxide is 30% or higher, and the number of iron atoms contained in the iron carbide is 50% or lower, relative to 100% of the number of iron atoms contained in the iron-based catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides for compounds of formula I: wherein Z is absent or (CRARB)nW; each RA and RB is independently (i) H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, haloalkyl, each of which may be optionally substituted; (ii) OH, ORc, NH2, NHRc, NRcRc, SH, S(O)mRc; or (iii) RA and RB together form C(O); W is absent, C(O), C(O)O, C(O)NRcRc, O, S(O)m, or NRcRc; Y is an optionally substituted heterocyclic, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or NRXRY; wherein Rx and Ry are each independently H, alkyl or aryl; X1 is selected from the group consisting of halogen, methyl, and hydroxyl; X2 is a halogen; each Rc is independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl, each of which may be optionally substituted; m is O, 1, or 2; and n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield, or redirect, the land surface from incident sunlight.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a positive electrode active lithium-excess metal oxide with composition LixMyO2 (0.6?y?0.85 and 0?x+y?2) for a lithium secondary battery with a high reversible capacity that is insensitive with respect to cation-disorder. The material exhibits a high capacity without the requirement of overcharge during the first cycles.

Abstract: To provide a carbon fiber precursor fiber that can efficiently produce a carbon fiber excellent in mechanical strength without an infusibilization treatment; a carbon fiber; and a method for producing the carbon fiber.

Abstract: A method and device for calibrating a DC offset and an I-Q imbalance component of an RF transceiver, the method including inputting a test signal into a transmitter, and converting the test signal into an analogue test signal; converting the analogue test signal using a transmitting mixer; sub-sampling a signal output from the transmitting mixer; and computing a DC offset calibrating constant number and an I-Q imbalance calibrating constant number from a sub-sampled signal.

Abstract: An oil puncture controlled starting system for an EFD apparatus and manufacturing method therefor, wherein the EFD display structure comprises a base arranged below a lower electrode, and the base is provided with a step, such that a first liquid has a first thickness outside the step and a second thickness on the step, which is less than the first thickness, such a thickness difference renders the first liquid on the step to be punctured by a second liquid firstly when a lower voltage is applied between a upper electrode and the lower electrode, and the first liquid is pushed by the second liquid to move from a first area to a second area.