Abstract: An apparatus is described for robotic control of an ultrasound imaging device. The apparatus comprises a fixed base and a movable platform with an end-effector. A plurality of passive soft links connects the platform to the base. A series of cables connect the platform to a set of motors adjacent the base. When the platform is at rest, the tension in the cables counter-balances the passive soft links pushing the platform away from the base plate. Control electronics move the motors so as to control the location and the orientation of the platform. By increasing or decreasing tension in the cables, the motors smoothly control the location and the orientation of the platform and thus the end effector. Such a robotic apparatus can be used to provide expert handling of an ultrasound imaging device remotely.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for supporting an appendage or spine. In one embodiment, a support for a spine comprises a support body configured to align with a spinal column of a wearer further comprising a plurality of modular flexible support body segments configured to align with regions of the spinal column, a plurality of straps disposed along a longitudinal axis of the support body, and a support member disposed adjacent the support body to provide rigidity to the support body. The support member acts as a cantilever configured to distribute a corrective force along the length of the support body.

Abstract: A method for transmitting information using a pulse may comprise transmitting, via a channel between a first device and a second device, an idle state for an idle time; and transmitting, via the channel, a pulse state for a pulse time, wherein the idle time and the pulse time define a value for a data word being transmitted, and wherein the duration of one or more of the idle time and the pulse time vary depending upon the value of the data word.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for image classification. An example method may comprise receiving an image comprising an object of interest and determining, based on a first convolution neural network, a first classification of the image. The first convolution neural network may be optimized for a first factor. The method may comprise determining, based on a second convolution neural network, a first classification of the image. The second convolution neural network may be optimized for a second factor. The method may comprise determining, based on the first classification and the second classification, a characteristic of the object of interest. The method may comprise providing the characteristic of the object of interest.

Abstract: A practical method and system for transportation agencies (federal, state, and local) to monitor and assess the safety of their roadway networks in real time based on traffic conflict events such that corrective actions can be proactively undertaken to keep their roadway systems safe for travelling public. The method and system also provides a tool for evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle/self-driving car technologies with respect to safety and efficiency.

Abstract: A system for treatment and/or psychology intervention of attention deficit disorders in a user in need thereof. The system uses a head mounted display equipped with an eye tracking device. The system is configured to display a scene that includes a principal object and at least one secondary object, then use the eye tracking device to determine whether the user's gaze is directed to one of the objects. If the user's gaze is directed to one of the secondary objects beyond a threshold criterion, that secondary object is removed from the scene. If the user's gaze is directed to the principal object beyond a threshold criterion, a previously removed secondary object is reintroduced into the scene. The principal object is a desired object of the user's attention, while the secondary object(s) may be potentially or known distracting objects. Corresponding software and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic solenoid point of use device for discrete quantitation of magnetized cells. The inventive device provides higher accuracy, lower cost, and less bulk than other counting devices.

Abstract: Novel cell penetrating agents for intracellular delivery of desired cargo, including proteins. Use of cell penetrating agents to deliver cargos to the interior of cells and cellular compartments and organelles is transformative for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quantitatively assessing collision risk of bodies, such as vehicles, and severity of a conflict between the bodies are disclosed. A method may comprise receiving image data associated with bodies. Based on the image data, an affinity (proneness) to collision of the bodies may be determined. Based on the determined affinity (proneness) to collision, a proximity (closeness) of collision of the bodies may be determined. Based on the determined proximity (closeness) of collision of the bodies, a collision risk of the bodies may be determined. The determined collision risk may be transmitted to a computing device, such as via a user interface. The determined collision risk may be used to control operations of a traffic control device or an autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Phage ?241 specific for Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from an industrial cucumber fermentation where both acidity (pH?3.7) and salinity (?5% NaCI) were high. A method for preparing a food item at least substantially free of Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination contacted the food item with a bacteriophage ?241 under conditions for the bacteriophage ?241 to lyse all or substantially all the Escherichia coli O157:H7 present in the food item, while Escherichia coli strains other than O157:H7 were not affected. A method for detecting the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by contacting a bacteriophage ?241 with a food item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for impulse noise detection and removal in color images comprising a detection module and a vector median filter.

Abstract: A practical method and system for transportation agencies (federal, state, and local) to monitor and assess the safety of their roadway networks in real time based on traffic conflict events such that corrective actions can be proactively undertaken to keep their roadway systems safe for travelling public. The method and system also provides a tool for evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle/self-driving car technologies with respect to safety and efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a virtually coupled modular transportation system. A first module and a second module, in each for transporting a payload, comprise non-physically coupled vehicle sections. In an embodiment, a controller determines a target orientation between modules. In another embodiment, at least one position detection device determines an actual orientation between modules. A motor in at least one module may receive signals from the controller to position the modules in the target orientation. A plurality of wheels on each module may receive an independent amount of torque to position the modules. In another embodiment, at least one module comprises a rechargeable electric motor.

Abstract: A method for impulse noise detection and removal in color images based on Moran's I statistic using Moran's I vector median filter (MIVMF) which comprises detection and removal components. The detection module determines if a pixel is noise or is noise-free. If it is a noise pixel, the vector median filter (VMF) will be used to remove the noise. This detection capability meets the so-called “switching” mechanism, which only selects noisy pixels for suppression. The inventive filter expedites processing time with the reduced number of vector calculations due to this new detection function, achieved with Moran's I index and the indication of 1-D Laplacian kernels. Compared to other vector-type median filters, the inventive MIVMF was faster in the filtering process and efficient in removing random impulse noise with different noise levels in color images. The MIVMF demonstrated a promising de-noising result based on the criteria of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM).

Abstract: A video analytics algorithm, system, and method for use in real time allowing accurate, reliable, and timely warnings that facilitate traffic safety and efficiency. The system and method are readily implemented with minimal computational resources, providing broad applicability. In an embodiment, a video analytics method may include (a) obtaining a sequence of real-time images as input from a traffic monitoring system; (b) identifying a plurality of vehicles within a pre-defined region of interest; (c) tracking vehicles within the predefined region of interest; and (d) detecting a conflict event when the vehicles are located within a pre-determined maximum separation threshold based on each vehicles coordinates in a spatial-temporal domain.

Abstract: An online streaming platform that allows subscribers to access a fixed number of e-books within a library for a fee paid on a periodic basis. The online streaming platform includes a plurality of cloud servers storing subscriber information and a plurality of storage servers in communication with the plurality of cloud servers. At least one of the storage servers stores a e-textbook library containing the contents of a plurality of e-books. The e-books are not saved or downloadable to a client device of a subscriber.

Abstract: Novel cell penetrating agents for intracellular delivery of desired cargo, including proteins. Use of cell penetrating agents to deliver cargos to the interior of cells and cellular compartments and organelles is transformative for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research processes.

Abstract: A system for treatment and/or psychology intervention of attention deficit disorders in a user in need thereof. The system uses a head mounted display equipped with an eye tracking device. The system is configured to display a scene that includes a principal object and at least one secondary object, then use the eye tracking device to determine whether the user's gaze is directed to one of the objects. If the user's gaze is directed to one of the secondary objects beyond a threshold criterion, that secondary object is removed from the scene. If the user's gaze is directed to the principal object beyond a threshold criterion, a previously removed secondary object is reintroduced into the scene. The principal object is a desired object of the user's attention, while the secondary object(s) may be potentially or known distracting objects. Corresponding software and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object in the “blind-spot” of a moving vehicle. The system can be user-installed to retrofit a vehicle, e.g., one that lacks a more complex, factory-installed blind-spot detection system. The invention thus provides an inexpensive and simplified vehicle safety enhancement.

Abstract: A video analytics algorithm, system, and method for use in real time allowing accurate, reliable, and timely warnings that facilitate traffic safety and efficiency. The system and method are readily implemented with minimal computational resources, providing broad applicability. In an embodiment, a video analytics method may include (a) obtaining a sequence of real-time images as input from a traffic monitoring system; (b) identifying a plurality of vehicles within a pre-defined region of interest; (c) tracking vehicles within the predefined region of interest; and (d) detecting a conflict event when the vehicles are located within a pre-determined maximum separation threshold based on each vehicles coordinates in a spatial-temporal domain.