Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the prediction of risk for heart failure using post-translation modified forms of cardiac troponin T as a biomarker.

Abstract: Provided is a video encoding apparatus, including a signal separator to separate a differential image block into a first domain and a second domain, based on a boundary line included in the differential image block, the differential image block indicating a difference between an original image and a prediction image with respect to the original image, a transform encoder to perform a transform encoding with respect to the first domain using a discrete cosine transform (DCT), a quantization unit to quantize an output of the transform encoding unit in a frequency domain, a space domain quantization unit to quantize the second domain in a space domain, and an entropy encoder to perform an entropy encoding using outputs of the quantization unit and the space domain quantization unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a buffer layer between an optical absorption layer and a window electrode layer. Forming the buffer layer includes depositing a metal material on the optical absorption layer, supplying a non-metal material on the optical absorption layer, supplying a gas material including oxygen atoms on the optical absorption layer, and reacting the metal material with the non-metal material. The gas material reacts with the metal material and the non-metal material to form a metal sulfur oxide on the optical absorption layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of synthesizing insect pheromones, particularly lepidopteran insect pheromones, their precursors and derivatives from inexpensive, readily available starting materials using olefin metathesis catalysis.

Abstract: A device and method for making a microfluidic separation device. A microfluidic separation device could include a microfluidic column having an inlet, the microfluidic column being configured to hold a first fluid and the microfluidic column including a porous portion, and an outlet attached to the microfluidic column, the outlet being configured to output a second fluid. The method may include providing a microfluidic column having an inlet, configuring the microfluidic column to hold a first fluid, forming a porous portion in the microfluidic column, and attaching an outlet to the microfluidic column.

Abstract: Compounds and associated methods for inhibiting a protein tyrosine phosphatase. By a combination of experimental and virtual screenings of the NCI Diversity Set chemical library, NSC-87877 and NSC-117199 have been identified as Shp2 PTP inhibitors. Significantly, NSC-87877 is active in cell-based assays and has no detectable off-target effects in the EGF-stimulated Erk 1/2 activation pathway. Additionally, a number of analogs of NSC-117199 have been produced. These analogs exhibit enhanced protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition and are found to be potent and/or selective inhibitors of Shp1 and/or Shp2 protein tyrosine phosphatases.

Abstract: A method of performing protection switching in a network including a first node and a plurality of second nodes that are connected to the first node is provided. The first node counts the number of obstacles that have occurred in a plurality of paths that are connected between the plurality of second nodes, and if the counted number is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the first node performs protection switching per leaf. Alternatively, if the counted number is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, the first node performs protection switching per tree.

Abstract: A floating image interaction device includes an imaging optical system projecting a floating real image of an object and an user object detecting means for obtaining information about the user accessing the floating real image; means to realize interactive response by the real image or by haptic feedback to actions by the user; and related computer programs.

Abstract: The invention provides a torsional resonance frequency measuring device and method applicable to a large-scale power generating equipment or a traction motor equipment with a rotating shaft, such as a large power grid-tied wind turbine. The invention is characterized by employing a machine-side converter existing in the grid-tied wind turbine to output direct currents to a three-phase PMSG (permanent magnet synchronous generator), such that a pulse torque is generated to mechanically excite a rotor of the three-phase PMSG. Afterwards, a control circuit of the machine-side converter acquires back electromotive force generated by the mechanically excited rotor so as to calculate the torsional resonance frequency of the overall drive-chain system according to the frequency spectrum of the back electromotive force.

Abstract: In a VCSEL driver for automatic bias control and automatic modulation control, the VCSEL driver includes: a feedback module configured to receive an output of a VCSEL to provide a bias signal through a feedback loop; an automatic bias control block configured to adjust a bias current by switching on or off a plurality of power sources, which are connected in parallel with each other; an automatic modulation control block configured to connect in parallel a plurality of bias transistors that are connected to each of the plurality of power sources, and to adjust modulation current by switching each of the plurality of bias transistors on or off; and a main driver configured to provide the VCSEL with a drive current including the bias current and the modulation current, which are adjusted by control of each of the control blocks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for motion estimation for video processing. An embodiment of a method for motion estimation includes the following steps. In the course of motion estimation, integer motion estimation is performed with respect to a macroblock to generate a plurality of integer motion vectors. It is determined, according to a portion of the motion vectors, which correspond to a plurality of block modes, whether the integer motion vectors of each block mode are substantially equal to those of a corresponding upper-layer block mode of the block mode, so as to determine whether to perform or skip fractional motion estimation of the block mode, wherein each corresponding upper-layer block mode(s) of the block modes is greater than the block mode.

Abstract: This application presents retention devices that afford the user quick and easy placement. These retention devices may accommodate objects of various shapes and sizes. The device provides sturdy means for retaining and securing an object to a surface without the need to handle and position flaps of tape. The device allows easy removal from the retained object without adhesives directly contacting or damaging it sensitive surfaces. The retention described here may be used to quickly secure anatomic structures during operations, such as securing the penis against the abdomen during vasectomy, without causing discomfort or damage to sensitive skin during application or removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alumina-coated spinel-silicon carbide refractory composition with good resistance to coal slag penetration and a method for manufacturing the same. The refractory composition refractory composition comprising 3 to 10 parts by weight of fine alpha alumina powder with respect to the weight of the refractory mixture, wherein the mixture is prepared by mixing alumina-coated spinel aggregates and silicon carbide in a ratio of 10:90 to 40:60 wt %, a dispersant, and an alumina sol as a binder.

Abstract: A broadcasting-communication data receiving apparatus for receiving mixed signals including original signals and additional signals.

Abstract: If a target node that enters into a transmission range is sensed, a mesh node of a wireless communication system selects an agent node having itself and a target node as a neighboring node among a plurality of neighboring nodes to form a link with the target node through the agent node. Also, the mesh node deletes the formed link if a target node that is out of a transmission range among a plurality of neighboring nodes is sensed, and forms a substitution path for at least a portion among an entire path of a connection including the deleted link.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing nanoporous Pt/TiO2 composite particles, nanoporous Pt/TiO2 composite particles prepared by the above preparation method, and a fuel cell comprising the nanoporous Pt/TiO2 composite particles. The nanoporous Pt/TiO2 composite particles according to the present invention have a catalytic effect similar to that of commercially available Pt/carbon black and, thus, can be applied to a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a series of -?ketoheterocyclic compounds, for example, compounds of formula (I). The compounds can inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase and can be useful for treatment of malconditions modulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase. The invention further provides methods of making compounds of formula (I), useful intermediates for the preparation of compounds of formula (I), and methods of using compounds of formula (I) and compositions thereof.

Abstract: An electrowinning apparatus and method are provided. The electrowinning apparatus includes: an electrolytic cell including a body portion which has an inlet for introducing an aqueous solution containing metal ions into the body portion and a conical portion which is gradually reduced in diameter from top to bottom and disposed under the body portion; a ring-shaped cathode coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the body portion of the electrolytic cell and having an entrance hole which extends from an outer circumferential surface of the cathode through to an inner circumferential surface of the cathode and is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell; and a hollow anode having an upper end disposed outside the electrolytic cell and inserted into the cathode. In the electrowinning method, a metal can be recovered from an aqueous solution containing a low concentration of metal ions using the above cyclone-shaped electrowinning apparatus.

Abstract: A planarized fine particle layered body which has fine particles sufficiently bonded together, sufficient density, flat surface and uniform density from a deposition of fine particles formed by supplying the fine particles to a substrate by aerosol deposition method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sea state prediction and autonomous navigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of predicting a future sea state including generating a sequence of at least two 3D images of a sea surface using at least two image sensors, detecting peaks and troughs in the 3D images using a processor, identifying at least one wavefront in each 3D image based upon the detected peaks and troughs using the processor, characterizing at least one propagating wave based upon the propagation of wavefronts detected in the sequence of 3D images using the processor, and predicting a future sea state using at least one propagating wave characterizing the propagation of wavefronts in the sequence of 3D images using the processor. Another embodiment includes a method of autonomous vessel navigation based upon a predicted sea state and target location.