Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to robotics and prosthetics. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to multi-modal fingertip sensors with proximity, contact, and for localization capabilities. Various embodiments of the present technology provide for a novel multi-modal tactile sensor which comprises an infrared proximity sensor and a barometric pressure sensor embedded in an elastomer layer. Signals from both of these sensors can be fused to measure proximity (0-10 mm), contact (0N), force (0-50N) and localize impact at five spatial locations and three angles of incidence. Gaussian processes in a regression setting can be used to obtain calibrated force measurements with an R-squared value of 0.99. Supervised machine learning approaches can be used to localize the position and direction of probing with classification accuracies of 96% and 89% respectively.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for down-regulating mTORC1 signaling in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more compositions that promote increased levels or activity of CIB32 or a biologically active fragment or variant thereof in the subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of determining tumoral sensitivity to hormonal (endocrine) therapy based upon an index of estrogen receptor (ER)- and progesterone receptor (PR)-related genes, referred to as the sensitivity to endocrine therapy index (SETER/PR index), and may have additional consideration for the proportion of ER gene (ESRI) RNA transcripts that contain a mutation relative to the value of the SETER/PR index. Further provided are methods of treating breast cancer patients determined to be sensitive to an endocrine therapy by the SETER/PR index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-power thermoelectric conversion module and thermoelectric conversion system. The thermoelectric conversion module includes: a first substrate made of ceramic; a second substrate made of ceramic and disposed opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of third electrodes and thermoelectric conversion elements arranged crosswise in a matrix between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode disposed between the first substrate and the thermoelectric conversion elements; and a second electrode disposed between the second substrate and the thermoelectric conversion elements. The first electrode is connected to one ends of the thermoelectric conversion elements and the third electrodes whose tops are flush with the one ends of the thermoelectric conversion elements, respectively.

Abstract: A method for constructing an efficient product surface defect detection model based on network collaborative pruning is provided. According to an initial product surface defect detection model, the method provides a network-based collaborative pruning method and constructs the efficient product surface defect detection model. On a premise of ensuring an accuracy of a product defect detection method, a product surface defect detection time is reduced to satisfy manufacturer's requirements on the product surface defect detection time and accuracy of product surface defects.

Abstract: A scalpel that safely and efficiently removes excess dental composite from the surfaces of teeth. A method for removing excess dental composite from a dental surface using this dental scalpel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of immunizing against, treating or preventing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in a subject, by administration of a group A Streptococcus M protein, inclusive of fragments, variants or derivatives thereof, or an antibody that binds, or is raised against the M protein and optionally a group A Streptococcus superantigen protein, inclusive of fragments, variants or derivatives thereof, or an antibody or antibody fragment that binds, or is raised against, the superantigen protein.

Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signal. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.

Abstract: A method for installing pipeline segments within a conduit. The method includes a step of securing a first pipe segment of the pipeline segments at a top end of the conduit, a step of aligning a main axis of a second pipe segment of the pipeline segments with the main axis of the pipeline, a step of lifting the second pipe segment from a first position associated with a bottom end of the conduit to a second position adjacent to the first pipe segment, a step of abutting a top rim of the second pipe segment against a bottom rim of the first pipe segment, and a step of attaching the top rim of the second pipe segment to the bottom rim of the first pipe segment.

Abstract: A face recognition method based on an evolutionary convolutional neural network is provided. The method optimizes the design of convolutional neural network architecture and the initialization of connection weights by using a genetic algorithm and finds an optimal neural network through continuous evolutionary calculation, thus reducing dependence on artificial experience during the design of the convolutional neural network architecture. The method encodes the convolutional neural networks by using a variable-length genetic encoding algorithm, so as to improve the diversity of structures of convolutional neural networks. Additionally, in order to cross over extended chromosomes, structural units at corresponding positions are separately crossed over and then recombined, thereby realizing the crossover of chromosomes with different lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treatments with a telomerase-mediated telomere-targeting drug, 6-thio-2?-deoxyguanosine (6-thio-dG), checkpoint inhibitors and/or radiation therapy for treating cancers. eads to tumor regression in innate and adaptive immune-dependent manners in syngeneic and humanized mouse cancer models.

Abstract: A bioelectric current estimation method includes acquiring position information of a nerve in a measurement target region of a subject for which magnetic data is measured with a magnetic sensor, the position information of the nerve being acquired based on a nerve image included in a morphological image of the measurement target region; acquiring a positional relationship between a position of the nerve and a position of the magnetic sensor, based on the acquired position information of the nerve and position information of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is positioned to face the measurement target region; and estimating a neural activity current, which is generated in association with neural activity of the subject, based on the acquired positional relationship and the magnetic data of the measurement target region measured by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A treadmill may be configured for gait training and/or therapy with attachable/detachable barriers affixable to a belt and/or with a vertical obstacle module and/or with sensor systems, but without requiring hoists, harnesses, attachments to the treadmill or base, or frame, and/or excessively high treadmill frames, such as those that exceed the height of the person on the treadmill. The barriers on the belt are configured to modify movement of only one foot of a person on the treadmill. The treadmill may use a single, integral belt. Methods of gait training and/or therapy may involve such treadmills without excessive expense and without excessive modification of standard treadmill equipment.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods related to targeted delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a subject utilizing an engineered receptor-ligand system, such as an engineered dockerin-cohesin system. As described herein, previously-developed targeted delivery systems for delivering therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a tissue of interest have drawbacks that have not been addressed to date. For example, with respect to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), both of which hamper delivery of agents to the brain, others have relied on the use of endogenously expressed receptors, like the transferrin receptor, to assist the agent across the barriers.

Abstract: A method for quality evaluation includes emitting measurement light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 2,000 nm or less to a cell mass and acquiring a plurality of light intensity information corresponding to each of a plurality of measuring positions in the cell mass, generating a feature amount from a variation of the acquired plurality of light intensity information, and evaluating quality of the cell mass using the generated feature amount as an index.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of macrophage phenotype profiling for the assessment, determination, and stratification of risk of development of fibrosis and/or cirrhosis within the liver, and treatment thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a liver biopsy sample from a subject; (b) using fluorescently labeled antibodies to analyze the sample, by laboratory assay, for marker identification and expression comparison of one or more macrophage profiling markers relative to the level of expression of a macrophage profiling marker in at least one control or standard sample, and (c) using spectral analysis to correlate the fluorescent signal generated by the macrophage profiling marker/antibody complex to the risk of developing fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, and treating with anti-viral agents or changes in diet, weight loss, or reduction of fat consumption.

Abstract: A vertically oriented plasma reactor is provided. In another aspect, a plasma reactor includes a vertically elongated vacuum chamber, a wall internally projecting within a middle section of the housing, magnets, electrodes and a radio frequency source. A further aspect employs a workpiece-entry port and an opposite workpiece material-exit port, with one located adjacent a top end and the other adjacent a bottom end of a vertically elongated reactor housing or vacuum chamber. Yet another aspect employs a moving or falling-bed plasma reactor for use in activating biochar material.

Abstract: Provided are multi-NBN host compounds. The compound has the structure of Formula I: Also provided are formulations comprising these multi-NBN host compounds. Further provided are OLEDs and related consumer products that utilize these multi-NBN host compounds.

Abstract: The in-loop filtering method performed by a video decoding apparatus includes: classifying reconstructed samples according to an absolute classification standard or relative classification standard; acquiring offset data on the basis of results of classifying the reconstructed samples; adding an offset value to the reconstructed samples by referencing the acquired offset data; and outputting the offset value-added reconstructed samples. Accordingly, errors in the reconstructed image can be corrected.

Abstract: A device for continuous production of polyferric chloride and a method are disclosed. The device includes a first mixing pipeline, a second reaction pipeline, a third reaction pipeline, and a concentration device sequentially connected. The first mixing pipeline, the second reaction pipeline and the third reaction pipeline are each provided with a circulating spray device, and the circulating spray device includes a reflux pump, a reflux pipeline and an atomizer. The atomizer includes an atomizing pipe, and a chemical filler plate for promoting gas-liquid contact is arranged below the atomizing pipe. The reflux pump is used to extract liquid from each reaction tank, and then transport the liquid to the atomizer on the top of the reaction tank. The atomizer is driven by the pressure of the reflux pump or the motor to atomize the liquid.