Abstract: A measurement device is configured to set an observation surface on a surface of a structure as a measurement surface to measure a change of the measurement surface as a measurement surface change vector. An estimator is configured to generate an estimation model based on a shape model obtained by modeling a shape of the structure. The estimator is configured to acquire a coefficient vector by solving a norm minimization problem by setting, as parameters, a measurement surface change vector and a part of the estimation model. The coefficient vector forms a sparse solution. The estimator is configured to estimate a change of a crack occurrence surface by determining a candidate surface, which is inside the structure and assumed to have a crack, as the crack occurrence surface, based on the coefficient vector and another part of the estimation model.

Abstract: Described are benzoimidazole indolyl methane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and use of the compounds to inhibit PCSK9-mediated ailments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to use of a lectin receptor-like kinase LecRK-IX.1 as a protein for regulating insect resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana. A. thaliana with high resistance to Bemisia tabaci can be cultivated by reducing the expression of, or knocking out, an encoding gene of the protein. Therefore, Arabidopsis thaliana with the high-level resistance to Bemisia tabaci can be cultivated. The gene and its encoded protein can be applied to plant genetic improvement.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform and method are provided. The microfluidic platform includes a base having an outer surface and a plurality of wells formed in the outer surface thereof for receiving fluid therein. The plurality of wells are in fluid communication with each other. A lid includes a plurality of channels having corresponding inputs and outputs. The lid is moveable between a first position wherein the lid is disengaged from the base and a second position wherein the inputs of each channel communicate with corresponding wells in the base. The fluid in each well is drawn into corresponding channels through the inputs thereof by capillary action.

Abstract: Methods for reconstructing images of a subject from data acquired with a medical imaging system, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system, are described. In general, the image reconstructions implement a primal-dual optimization strategy that, in each iteration, stochastically updates a dual variable.

Abstract: The present application provides a pipeline adapter including a first connection block, a second connection block, a fastener and a seal ring. The first connection block is provided with a first channel and a first annular positioning groove disposed around the first channel. The second connection block is provided with a second channel communicating with the first channel and a second annular positioning platform fitting inside the first annular positioning groove. The second annular positioning platform is disposed around the second channel. The fastener connects the first connection block to the second connection block. The seal ring fits between the first annular positioning groove and the second annular positioning platform. The pipeline adapter is convenient to use, has a favorable sealing effect, and facilitates pipeline connection of a refrigeration system.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of essential oil modified nanocellulose and applications thereof. The invention further provides a process wherein the essential oil is covalently bonded with the nanocellulose such that the essential oil does not leach out. The edible coatings comprising the developed essential oil modified nanocellulose thus exhibit a prolonged antimicrobial effect.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the treatment of insulin resistance and insulin receptor diseases with SHP2 inhibitors, such as allosteric inhibitors of SHP2 and RNAi or siRNA that target SHP2 expression. Compositions and methods for delivery of SHP2 inhibitors, such as liver-targeting liposomes or nanoparticles, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and systems for sand control in wells are described in examples. An example uses a prepack screen assembly comprising an inner screen comprising openings having an inner size and an outer screen comprising openings having an outer size. Packing material is disposed between the inner screen and the outer screen comprising pores with a pore size that is selected based, at least in part, on the outer size, the inner size, or both.

Abstract: A tool for a bone implant includes a sleeve and a transmission rod including a transmission member disposed on an end of a shaft. Another end of the shaft is located outside of the sleeve. The transmission member is received in the sleeve and includes a first compartment and a plurality of first teeth surrounding the first compartment. A drilling rod includes a second compartment and a plurality of second teeth surrounding the second compartment. A coupling portion is disposed between the second compartment and a bit. The coupling portion is coupled with the sleeve. The bit is located outside of the sleeve. Two magnets are disposed in the first and second compartments, respectively. Two same poles respectively of the two magnets face each other.

Abstract: A method for generating an energy usage profile for a software program executed in a computing device includes generating a call trace of an executed system call, identifying a first power consumption and duration of a first power state due to the first system call using a model, identifying a second power consumption and duration of a second power state based on the model, and generating an energy usage profile for the software program. The energy usage profile includes energy consumption of the computing device for the system call based on the first power consumption level multiplied by the first duration and the second power consumption level multiplied by the second duration associated an identifier for the call trace.

Abstract: A security signal transmission method performed by a first communication node includes estimating a radio channel between the first communication node and a second communication node; classifying all subcarriers into a first subcarrier group for transmitting a data signal and a second subcarrier group for transmitting a jamming signal based on estimated channel information; generating data symbol(s) by allocating the data signal to subcarriers of the first subcarrier group; generating jamming symbol(s) by allocating the jamming signal to subcarriers of the second subcarrier group; generating a first control symbol to which a first control signal is mapped, the first control signal including a first reference value used to restore the data symbols at the second communication node; and transmitting the data symbol(s), the jamming symbol(s), and the first control symbol to the second communication node.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket having an inner surface and an outer surface in which the inner surface defines a central bore along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable and the outer surface defines the outermost extent of the cable. One or more embodiments of the cables described herein have improved bending characteristics and performances, respond positively to thermal cycling tests, provide improved anti-buckling characteristics, and have a reduced production cost compared to other known cables.

Abstract: A pipelined ADC system comprising: a first ADC stage comprising a trainable neural network layer and configured to receive an analog input signal, and convert it into a first n-bit digital output representing said analog input signal; a DAC circuit comprising a trainable neural network layer and configured to receive said first n-bit digital output, and convert it into an analog output signal representing said first n-bit digital output; and a second ADC stage comprising a trainable neural network layer and configured to receive a residue analog input signal of said analog input signal, and convert it into a second n-bit digital output representing said residue analog input signal; wherein said first and second n-bit digital outputs are combined to generate a combined digital output representing said analog input signal.

Abstract: A method for treatment of irritation or damage to corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells, particularly for irritation or damage to corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells due to severe Sjögren's syndrome, comprising applying topically to an affected eye an aqueous solution of glycerol characterized by a glycerol concentration of >1% (w/v), most preferably 2.5% (w/v). The method is effective even in the case of very low tear formation, and its effectiveness cannot be explained by the known humectant effect of glycerol.

Abstract: A female part, a retaining device and a pin system have the device, the female part and a male part, to assure the retention between the female part and a male part used in excavators and the like. The female part has a cavity and can be a wearing element, a tooth or an intermediate part (part between a point and a weld on or cast nose in a three part system) and the male part has a nose to be introduced into the cavity of the female part and this will usually be a tooth-holder, intermediate, cast nose, weld-on nose or an adapter.

Abstract: Systems and device configurations are provided for reducing misstep, such as miscommunication between a vehicle and a driver that results in applying the incorrect pedal. Vehicle pedal configurations having a positioning element are described. Embodiments include pedal configurations having a pedal pad and at least one positioning element to adjust the pedal pad in response to pedal misstep. Pedal adjustment can include rotation of a pedal pad, rotation of portions of a pedal pad, and multibody pedal pad configurations. According to embodiment, a pedal pad includes vibrational elements to control vibration of the pedal. Embodiments are also directed to a pedal configuration including a flip plate. Systems are provided including a controller to control a pedal configuration and positioning elements. The controller may control the pedal based on a driving mode, such as an assistive driving state wherein operator is instructed to apply a pedal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electron source operating method, the electron source including at least one emission site fixed on a tip, the emission site being a reaction product formed by metal atoms of a surface of the tip and gas molecules under an electric field, and the operating method comprises emitting electrons by controlling operating parameters of the electron source.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a frame that has an arc-shaped structure configured to create a space between the wrap-around shield and a child safety seat arranged inward from the frame. A first end of the frame is configured to curve toward a second end of the frame. The second end of the frame is also configured to curve toward the first end of the frame, and the first end and the second end having a respective profile that has a height which increases as the first end and the second end curve toward each other. A first connecting member connected to the first end of the frame, the first connecting member comprising a tether for connecting to a first latch of a rear seat.