Abstract: The present invention provides detection reagents and method for determining risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI), assessment of the amount of neuronal damage, and/or susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease in a subject.

Abstract: A massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) robust precoding transmission method under imperfect channel state information (CSI), wherein the imperfect CSI obtained by the base station (BS) side of the massive MIMO system is modeled as an a posteriori statistical channel model including channel mean and channel variance information. The model considers the effects of channel estimation error, channel aging and spatial correlation. The BS performs the robust precoding transmission by using the a posteriori statistical channel model, so that the universality problem of the massive MIMO to various typical moving scenarios can be solved, and high spectral efficiency is achieved.

Abstract: A method for scanning artificial structure, wherein a scanning artificial structure apparatus comprises four magnetic-field sensors, the four magnetic-field sensors are non-coplanar configured, the method comprises following steps of: moving the scanning artificial structure apparatus along a scanning path within a to-be-tested area, in the meantime, measuring magnetic field by the four magnetic-field sensors, and recording a position sequence when measuring magnetic field, wherein four magnetic-field measurement sequences are measured by the four magnetic-field sensors; and calculating a magnetic-field variation distribution from the four magnetic-field measurement sequences and the position sequence, wherein the magnetic-field variation distribution is corresponding to at least one artificial structure distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an injectable thermosensitive chitosan/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers hydrogel. The injectable thermosensitive chitosan/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers hydrogel exhibits superior biocompatibility through addition of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers, and excellent cell proliferation and bone regeneration through cellular interaction, and is gelled in vivo, thus being highly useful as a filler for wound healing and bone regeneration. In addition, the injectable thermosensitive chitosan/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers hydrogel exhibits excellent porosity, has an interconnected structure and is thermogelling, based on thermosensitivity of undergoing a sol-gel transition depending on temperature, thus inducing rapid gelation in vivo and facilitating bone regeneration upon implantation in vivo.

Abstract: High-performance flexible batteries are promising energy storage devices for portable and wearable electronics. The major obstacle to develop flexible batteries is the shortage of flexible electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance. Another challenge is the limited progress in the flexible batteries beyond Li-ion because of safety concerns for the Li-based electrochemical system. Accordingly, a self-supported tin sulfide (SnS) porous film (PF) was fabricated as a flexible cathode material in Al-ion battery, which delivers a high specific capacity of 406 mAh/g. A capacity decay rate of 0.03% per cycle was achieved, indicating a good stability. The self-supported and flexible SnS film also shows an outstanding electrochemical performance and stability during dynamic and static bending tests. Microscopic images demonstrated that the porous structure of SnS is beneficial for minimizing the volume expansion during charge/discharge.

Abstract: A magnetic liquid sealing device (100) with a heat conductive rod and a heat dissipating jacket includes: a shaft casing (1), a rotating shaft (2), two bearings (3), two pole shoes (4), a permanent magnet (5), a heat conductive rod (6) and a heat dissipating jacket (7). The rotating shaft (2) is rotatably arranged in the shaft casing (1), two bearings (3) and two pole shoes (4) are fitted over the rotating shaft (2), and the two pole shoes (4) are located between the two bearings (3). The permanent magnet (5) is fitted over the rotating shaft (2) and is located between the two pole shoes (4). The heat conductive rod (6) is inserted in the pole shoe (4), the heat dissipating jacket (7) is fitted over the shaft casing (2), and the heat conductive rod (6) is connected with the heat dissipating jacket (7) through a connecting member (11).

Abstract: A system for measuring with the aid of light absorption spectrometry the concentration of one or more analytes in porewater in soil, the system comprising: one or more monitoring unit(s), each monitoring unit comprising a porewater sampler (1), an optical flow cell (2) with a tube connecting the liquid inlet port of said optical flow cell to said porewater sampler; and vacuum arrangement to enable extraction of porewater; at least one light source (5) for generating a light beam to be transmitted through said optical flow cell (2); and at least one detector (8) for obtaining spectral information from the beam exiting said optical flow cell. A method of measurement is also provided.

Abstract: Composite material can include a matrix material, a fiber dispersed in the matrix material, and an ultraviolet (UV)-light sensitive mechanophore grafted to a surface of the fiber. A method for making a fiber-reinforced polymer composite can include contacting a fiber in a first solution, rinsing and then drying intermediate fiber, contacting dried fiber in a third solution, rinsing, and then drying the rinsed fiber thereby generating functionalized fiber that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The functionalized fiber can be combined with a polymer matrix material, cured, and irradiated, thereby generating a fiber-reinforced polymer composite.

Abstract: The technical field of enzyme immobilization, and particularly, an organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflower and a preparation method thereof. The organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflower is a flower-like immobilized enzyme formed by self-assembly of a layered rare earth compound as an inorganic carrier and a biological enzyme as an organic component. The layered rare earth compound is Ln2(OH)5NO3·nH2O, where Ln is one or more of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or Y, and n=1.1-2.5. The biological enzyme is one or more of ?-amylase, horseradish peroxidase, or laccase. A layered rare earth compound is used as the inorganic carrier for the organic biological enzyme to form the flower-like immobilized enzyme. The immobilized enzyme has better stability and higher catalytic performance when compared with a free enzyme.

Abstract: A primary heating band is applied to a weld to control a microstructure and hardness of the weld and uniformity of the structure to realize micro-control of the residual stress; an auxiliary heating band is applied a certain distance away from the weld to generate compressive stress on an inner surface of the weld to realize macro-control of the compressive stress. Reinforcement with a rib plate is eliminated, and a labor intensity and a construction period are reduced. The method reduces deformation near the weld and transfers the largest deformation to a non-weld zone; by applying the auxiliary heating and strictly controlling a time interval between primary heating and auxiliary heating, the structure is improved and the welding residual stress is controlled at the same time; a local heat treatment effect is optimized, and a small tensile stress or compressive stress is generated on the inner surface of the weld.

Abstract: A portable laser height measuring system including an upper assembly including an elongated top flat plate attached to an upper back plate, wherein the elongated top flat plate includes a top side and an underside is disclosed herein. A separate lower assembly including a base is attached to a bottom backplate. A laser measurement device is affixed to the elongated top flat surface. A leveling device is mounted at one end of the elongated top flat plate proximate the laser measurement device; and a data collection device is electronically coupled to receive signals from the laser measurement device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of using near infra-red radiation, such as from a near infra-red spectroscopy device, to monitor physical activity in a person. In one aspect, a method of measuring physiological parameters is provided. The method further includes determining a NIRS-derived measure of a tissue of a person using near infra-red spectroscopy over a time period, associating the NIRS-derived measure to the time period to determine a function-related change, and associating the function-related change to a biomechanical function.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for slowing, preventing, or reversing platelet damage, particularly as may occur during blood banking or during refrigeration of platelets. The composition may include one or more of a RAC inhibitor, a CDC42 inhibitor, a RHOA inhibitor, or a combination thereof. The compositions may further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Provided are P-type semiconductor layer, P-type multilevel element, and manufacturing method for the element. The P-type multilevel element comprises a gate electrode, an active structure overlapping the gate electrode, a gate insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode and the active structure, and source and drain electrodes electrically connected to both ends of the active structure, respectively. The active structure has a first P-type active layer, a second P-type active layer, and a barrier layer disposed between the first P-type active layer and the second P-type active layer. A threshold voltage for forming a channel in the first P-type active layer and a threshold voltage for forming a channel in the second P-type active layer have different values.

Abstract: A concrete composition that includes (i) a treated palm oil fuel ash, wherein the treated palm oil fuel ash is the only binder present, (ii) a fine aggregate, (iii) a coarse aggregate, and (iv) an alkali activator containing an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. A cured concrete made from the concrete composition is also disclosed with advantageous compressive strength properties.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system is formed as a window that is constructed of at least one polymer layer that is filled or decorated with metal nanoparticles and a window frame that includes one or more photovoltaic cells. The metal nanoparticles have a shape and size such that they display surface plasmon resonance frequencies in the near-infrared and/or the near-ultraviolet. The near-infrared and/or the near-ultraviolet radiations are scattered such that they are transmitted parallel to the face of the window to the photovoltaic cells, where an electrical current is generated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for key generation for secure communication between a first user computing device and a second user computing device without requiring direct communication during key generation. The method using a plurality of privacy providers and a first private table and a second private table. The method including: performing by the second user computing device: receiving indexes each associated with a value in the second private table, each index received from the respective privacy provider sharing those values, each index associated with a value that matches an indexed value in the first private table received by the respective privacy provider from the first user computing device; and generating a common key for the secure communication by combining the indexed values of the second private table.

Abstract: A lens-free imaging system for generating an image of a scene includes an electromagnetic (EM) radiation sensor; a mask disposed between the EM radiation sensor and the scene; an image processor that obtains signals from the EM radiation sensor while the EM radiation sensor is exposed to the scene; and estimates the image of the scene based on, at least in part, the signals and a transfer function between the scene and the EM radiation sensor.

Abstract: Dual-layer insole apparatuses for diabetic foot lesion prevention and related methods are provided. Some insole apparatuses have a body defining a plurality of cavities configured to be coupled to a fluid source. The fluid source can deliver fluid to vary internal pressures of the cavities. The body further defines an insole-shaped structure.