Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a electrocatalyst from waste tires. The method comprises the steps of providing rubber pieces; optionally contacting the rubber pieces with a sulfonation bath to produce sulfonated rubber; pyrolyzing the rubber to produce tire-derived carbon composite comprising carbon black, wherein the pyrolyzing comprises heating to at least 200° C.-2400° C.; activating the tire-derived carbon composite by contacting the tire-derived carbon composite with an alkali anion compound to provide activated tire-derived carbon supports; and loading the activated carbon-based supports with platinum cubes. In another embodiment, the tire-derived carbon composite is activated by annealing in a carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Abstract: Repetitive electrical activity produces microstructural alteration in myelinated axons. These transient microstructural changes can be non-invasively visualized via two different magnetic-resonance-based approaches: diffusion fMRI and dynamic T2 spectroscopy in the ex vivo perfused bullfrog sciatic nerves. Non-invasive diffusion fMRI, based on standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), clearly localized the sites of axonal conduction blockage as might be encountered in neurotrauma or other lesion types. Diffusion fMRI response was graded in proportion to the total number of electrical impulses carried through a given locus. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) method revealed a reversible shift of tissue water into a restricted isotropic diffusion signal component, consistent with sub-myelinic vacuole formation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for determining contact angles of porous media. The method includes: in a displacement simulation experiment, injecting a displacement fluid into a real core, and performing computed tomography (CT) scanning on the core to determine three-dimensional images at different oil displacing moments; segmenting different phases of the three-dimensional images to obtain segmented three-dimensional images; marking a contact line between different phases according to the segmented three-dimensional images, where the phases are underground fluids or displacement fluids and a rock matrix in the displacement simulation experiment; and determining a contact angle of a porous medium at different positions at different moments according to the contact line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral supplement including creatine hydrochloride, which has an aqueous solubility that is at least 15 times greater than creatine monohydrate, where the oral supplement drives significant improvements in muscle development and recovery due to its enhanced bio-availability, while causing fewer negative side effects compared to previous forms of creatine.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for denoising an image. The method can include receiving an acquired image from an image acquisition system, and processing the acquired image with a nonlinear diffusion coefficient based filter having a diffusion coefficient that is calculated using gradient vector orientation information in the acquired image.

Abstract: Electrochemical synthesis and electrodeposition of corrosion resistant metal-ionic clay nanocomposite coatings. The coatings comprise a zinc-aluminum based layered double hydroxide nanoplatelets incorporated into a nickel matrix. The coatings can be deposited onto such as a metal surface by way of electrodeposition. Electrodeposition of the corrosive resistant coatings described here have an average platelet size of about 631±43 nm and crystallite size from about 25 nm to about 45 nm.

Abstract: A self-stressing shape memory alloy (SMA)/fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite patch is disclosed that can be used to repair cracked steel members or other civil infrastructures. Prestressed carbon FRP (CFRP) patches have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional methods of repair. However, prestressing these patches typically requires heavy and complex fixtures, which is impractical in many applications. This disclosure describes a new approach in which the prestressing force is applied by restraining the shape memory effect of nickel titanium niobium alloy (NiTiNb) SMA wires. The wires are subsequently embedded in an FRP overlay patch. This method overcomes the practical challenges associated with conventional prestressing.

Abstract: A method for producing CD4/CD8 double-positive T cells, comprising the steps of: (1) culturing pluripotent stem cells in a medium to induce hematopoietic progenitor cells; and (2) culturing the hematopoietic progenitor cells obtained in the step (1) in a medium containing a p38 inhibitor and/or SDF-1 to induce CD4/CD8 double-positive T cells.

Abstract: Methods of real-time emoji and emoticon production are disclosed that include: determining, by a computing device, at least one first emotional state of a user from information, wherein the at least one first emotional state is a presently-identified emotional state of the user; providing an emoji or emoticon production template system, wherein the template system includes at least one physical attribute of the user; and utilizing the emoji or emoticon production template system to: analyze the presently-identified emotional state of the user; determine a suitable map of the presently-identified state of the user; map the presently-identified state of the user on an emoji or emoticon production template; produce at least one unique emoji or emoticon based on the map; provide the at least one unique emoji or emoticon to the user, wherein the user selects the at least one unique emoji or emoticon and includes the at least one unique emoji or emoticon in a text message, a direct message, an electronic mail messa

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for manufacturing customized cardiovascular devices. In one implementation, patient cardiovascular data for a patient is received at a controller. The patient cardiovascular data is captured using a patient interface. A printing profile for a cardiovascular medical device is received at the controller. A patient specific three-dimensional model of the cardiovascular medical device customized for the patient using the patient cardiovascular data and the printing profile is generated. The patient specific three-dimensional model of the cardiovascular medical device is sliced into a plurality of outlines using the controller. Print instructions based on the plurality of outlines are generated using the controller. A polymeric material is manipulated according to the print instructions into a customized polymeric cardiovascular medical device for the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter is disclosed. The flow meter comprises a moulded coupling element (9).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and uses for delivering progranulin to the central nervous system (CNS) of a mammal. Methods and uses include, for example, administering to a mammal a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding progranulin, variant, derivative or functional fragment thereof to the mammal's brain ventricle to transduce CNS cells and/or cells that contact the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the mammal such that the cells express the progranulin, variant, derivative or functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods, devices, and/or systems for viewing and imaging all or most of the surface area of a three-dimensional (3-D) object with one or more two-dimensional (2-D) images.

Abstract: A method of crosslinking a hetero-bifunctional photo crosslinking compound to an immunoglobulin having at least one heterocyclic photo reactive group and at least one non-photo reactive group where the non-photo reactive group is coupled to an effector molecule and the photo reactive group is coupled to the nucleotide binding site of an immunoglobulin. Alternatively, the photo crosslinker contains an orthogonal reactive group such as a thiol, which can be coupled to an effector molecule or functionalized ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loaded-to-frame detection equipment for backfill grouting of a shield tunnel, including an automatic loaded-to-frame transmission apparatus, a ground penetrating radar, and an intelligent backfill grouting processing and analysis software. The equipment is integrated by using software and hardware, and can implement real-time visual detection of a backfill grouting layer in a shield construction process. The loaded-to-frame automatic transmission apparatus mainly includes a track, a synchronous belt, a transmission mechanism, a servo machine, and a drive and reducer; and a new air-coupled radar detection apparatus is carried on the loaded-to-frame automatic transmission apparatus and is installed on a shield frame. With the shield performs tunneling, circular detection on a grouting body of the shield and visual layered display of the grouting body are implemented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body insertable device having an outer body being bent; and an inner body positioned inside the outer body, having an accommodation space in which the resource soured is accommodated, and being capable of rotating inside the outer body, wherein a radiation emission direction is continuously adjusted by rotation of the inner body.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] It is intended to provide a fusion polypeptide that regulates the transcription of a target gene. [Solution] The present inventors have provided a fusion polypeptide comprising: a cell-penetrating peptide; a DNA-binding polypeptide; and a transcriptional regulator.

Abstract: Synthesis of novel and unique PAMAM (poly-amidoamine) polymers. PAMAM polymers can be grown by systematic alternation between ethylenediamine (EDA) and methacrylate. By taking advantage of the alternating terminal ends, successive generations G1 and G0.5 were combined under acidic conditions with Pluronic P123 as a liquid-crystal template. The resulting polymer was imaged with TEM and the product was circular and amorphous of no characteristic size ranging between about 5 nm to about 600 nm, with remarkable electrochemical activity unseen in any of the generations of PAMAM. Applications of this electroactive poly-amidoamine organic polymer include use as a new electron transfer reagent for amperometric biosensors.

Abstract: An exoskeleton system is passively powered and pneumatically operated. The system may be a lower-limb system for walking gait restoration. The system may include a first linear actuator located in front of an upper leg section and a second linear actuator located behind a lower leg section.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions are provided that comprise selective b-glucuronidase inhibitors. The compounds and compositions can ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and can improve the efficacy of such agents, including irinotecan and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.