Abstract: An interval observer based on an equivalent circuit-thermal model for lithium-ion batteries is presented. State of charge-temperature-dependent parameters are considered as unknown but bounded uncertainties in a single cell model. A parallel and a series arrangement of five cells are used for observer design, where cell heterogeneity is accounted for through the uncertainty bounding functions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, kits, and assays for identifying a human subject as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, or a human subject with multiple sclerosis caused by elevated soluble Interleukin 7 receptor (sIL7R), by obtaining a biological sample and detecting or measuring in the biological sample an amount of a soluble Interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R) and an amount of an RNA Helicase DDX39B, whereby a lower expression of DDX39B and a higher secretion of sIL7R identifies the subject from which the biological sample was obtained as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, when compared to a human subject not having an autoimmune disease. The present invention also includes a method of modifying a treating of subjects based on the lower expression of RNA Helicase DDX39B alone or in combination with an increase in sIL7R.

Abstract: A Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) system with a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field having a field free line, the system including at least one shim magnet configured to modify the magnetic field in a manner to maintain desired magnetic flux distributions during imaging.

Abstract: An indium-containing quantum dot including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1: In1-xMxA ??Chemical Formula 1 wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, M is aluminum, gallium, yttrium, or scandium, A is nitrogen, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, or a combination thereof, and X is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1, wherein the indium-containing quantum dot includes fluorine and oxygen to bonded to a surface of the indium-containing quantum dot, wherein an amount of the fluorine is greater than or equal to about 10 atomic percent based on a total number of indium atoms in the indium-containing quantum dot as determined by Rutherford backscattering analysis, and wherein an amount of the oxygen is about 5 atomic percent to about 50 atomic percent based on the total number of indium atoms included in the quantum dot as determined by Rutherford backscattering analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, kits, and assays for identifying a human subject as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, or a human subject with multiple sclerosis caused by elevated soluble Interleukin 7 receptor (sIL7R), by obtaining a biological sample and detecting or measuring in the biological sample an amount of a soluble Interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R) and an amount of an RNA Helicase DDX39B, whereby a lower expression of DDX39B and a higher secretion of sIL7R identifies the subject from which the biological sample was obtained as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, when compared to a human subject not having an autoimmune disease. The present invention also includes a method of modifying a treating of subjects based on the lower expression of RNA Helicase DDX39B alone or in combination with an increase in sIL7R.

Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.

Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.

Abstract: A method for generating a non-thermal plasma having predetermined ozone concentration includes: providing an at least approximately closed volume as a reaction region; activating a plasma source and generating a non-thermal plasma in the reaction region. The plasma is held in the reaction region at least until a predetermined ozone concentration is reached or the ozone concentration falls below a predetermined upper limit for the ozone concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative plasmonic droplet including a droplet of fluid, a detection-target material which is in the droplet of fluid, and a nanoplasmon probe which is on a surface of the droplet of fluid and/or in the droplet of fluid. The plasmonic droplet may be applied for plasmon based optical sensing techniques, for example, for ultrasensitive analysis of bacteria, pathogen, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.

Abstract: A system and method of vehicular wireless communication over a Dedicated Short Range Communication service band is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a navigation means, a processor, and a communication means for transmitting a message via a wireless communications link. The system includes a control channel for communication a safety communication and a service channel for communicating a non-safety communication. The control channel is subdivided into a contention-free period having a safety exchange interval of time for transmitting a safety communication and a contention period having a non-safety service interval of time for transmitting a non-safety communication. The system further includes an access point in communication with the vehicle via the communications link within region.

Abstract: A process for altering the thermoelectric properties of an electrically conductive material is provided. The process includes providing an electrically conducting material and a substrate. The electrically conducting material is brought into contact with the substrate. A thermal gradient can be applied to the electrically conducting material and a voltage applied to the substrate. In this manner, the electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power and/or the thermal conductivity of the electrically conductive material can be altered and the figure of merit increased.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative plasmonic droplet including a droplet of fluid, a detection-target material which is in the droplet of fluid, and a nanoplasmon probe which is on a surface of the droplet of fluid and/or in the droplet of fluid. The plasmonic droplet may be applied for plasmon based optical sensing techniques, for example, for ultrasensitive analysis of bacteria, pathogen, etc.

Abstract: A system and method of vehicular wireless communication over a Dedicated Short Range Communication service band is provided. The system includes a vehicle having a navigation means, a processor, and a communication means for transmitting a message via a wireless communications link. The system includes a control channel for communicating a safety message and a service channel for communicating a non-safety message. The control channel is subdivided into a contention-free period having a safety exchange interval and a contention period having a non-safety service interval. The system further includes a dedicated group manager that partitions the vehicles into groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing, controlling the shape and size of, Pb-chalcogenide nanoparticles. The method includes preparing a lead (Pb) precursor containing Pb and a carboxylic acid dissolved in a hydrocarbon solution and preparing a chalcogen element precursor containing a chalcogen element dissolved in a hydrocarbon solution. The amount of Pb and chalcogen in the respective precursor affords for a predetermined Pb:chalcogen element ratio to be present when the Pb precursor is mixed with the chalcogen element precursor. The Pb precursor is mixed with the chalcogen element precursor to form a Pb-chalcogen mixture in such a manner that Pb-chalcogenide nanoparticle nucleation does not occur. A nucleation and growth solution containing a surfactant is also prepared by heating the solution to a nucleation temperature sufficient to nucleate nanoparticles when the Pb-chalcogen element mixture is added.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waveguide antenna structure and a method of manufacture. The waveguide antenna structure can include a non-metallic substrate having a waveguide channel extending along a first direction and an inlet channel extending along a second direction. The inlet channel intersects with the waveguide channel and both channels are at least partially coated with a metallic material. The waveguide channel can have a generally U-shaped cross-section with an open side that is at partially enclosed by a slot plate that is attached to the non-metallic substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for journal peer review particularly for managing online peer review transactions over a network or communications medium such as via the Internet. In specific embodiments, that system minimizes or eliminates the need for most participants to remember and/or enter any login or password information. In specific embodiments, a majority of user interactions are prompted by email or text messages that allow for easier user access and acceptance. In specific embodiments, active links are distributed with each message for easy user access. In specific embodiments, automatic conflict checking is performed.

Abstract: A lower extremity exoskeleton includes: at least one power unit; two leg supports designed to rest on the ground; two knee joints configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank and thigh links of the leg supports; an exoskeleton trunk rotatably connectable to the leg supports; and two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports. In use, the hip actuators create a torque to move the leg supports backward relative to the exoskeleton trunk during a stance phase, which pushes the exoskeleton trunk forward. A second torque may be used to move the leg supports forward relative to the exoskeleton trunk into a swing phase. Additionally, a swing torque may be generated during the swing phase to move the leg support forward relative to the exoskeleton trunk. This results in decreased oxygen consumption and heart rate of a user wearing the exoskeleton.