Abstract: A system for background image subtraction includes a computing device coupled with a 3D video camera, a processor of the device programmed to receive a video feed from the camera containing images of one or more subject that include depth information. The processor, for an image: segments pixels and corresponding depth information to identify foreground regions associated with a target user.

Abstract: A linear predictive coding apparatus is provided that performs linear predictive analysis using a pseudo correlation function signal sequence obtained by performing inverse Fourier transform regarding the ?1-th power of the absolute values of the frequency domain sample sequence corresponding to the time-series signal as a power spectrum to obtain coefficients transformable to linear predictive coefficients. The apparatus further adapts values of ? for a plurality of candidates for coefficients transformable to linear predictive coefficients stored in a code book and the coefficients transformable to linear predictive coefficients are obtained by the linear predictive analysis.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A therapeutic emulsion is provided comprising a perfluorocarbon emulsion and a therapeutic agent, such as tobramycin. Methods of making and using the emulsion are provided. A method of treating a lung infection is provided.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions (e.g., kits) for the identification of subjects with misfolded proteins in their urine. For example, methods and compositions for determining that a urine sample from a pregnant woman contains or does not contain misfolded are provided. In some embodiments, the presence of misfolded proteins in a urine sample from a pregnant woman is an indication of preeclampsia.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging the selection of healthy products with a vending machine are provided. The method includes providing a vending machine that displays an inventory of products. Each product of the inventory of products includes a dispensing countdown time displayed on the vending machine. The method also includes receiving a first customer selection of a first product from the inventory of products, where the first product has a first dispensing countdown time. Additionally, the method includes actuating a countdown timer to count down to zero seconds from the first dispensing countdown time. The method also includes dispensing the first product once the countdown timer reaches zero seconds. The first product is only dispensed if a customer does not select a second product having a second dispensing countdown time before the first dispensing countdown time counts down to zero seconds.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to nanoparticles, compositions including nanoparticles, methods of making nanoparticles, and the like. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure include nanoparticles and compositions for the sustained release (e.g., release at a predetermined rate to maintain a certain concentration for a certain period of time) of an agent, such as a small interfering RNA (siRNA) from the nanoparticle.

Abstract: This invention provides a groundbreaking approach to PLNPs and their preparation. In particular, the synthetic methodology disclosed herein fundamentally differs from the traditional solid-state annealing reactions that require extreme and harsh reaction conditions. In one unique aspect of the invention, a simple, one-step mesoporous template method utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) is disclosed that affords in vivo rechargeable NIR-emitting mesoporous PLNPs with uniform size and morphology. In another unique aspect of the invention, the novel synthetic approach is based on aqueous-phase chemical reactions conducted in mild conditions, resulting in uniform and homogeneous PLNPs with desired size control (e.g., sub-10 nm).

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer-implemented method and system which include patch-wise coregistration (PWCR) for change detection using remote sensing images which can be taken from satellites, aircraft, UAV and other platforms, where the images can be nadir or off-nadir images and can be acquired from the same or different view-angles. The remote sensing images can be bi-temporal or multi-temporal. VHF satellite images can be used.

Abstract: A mobile robot to which a shadow removal method and system for surveillance camera-based mobile robot control according to the present invention is applied acquires images from two closely installed surveillance cameras indoors and performs shadow removal at an improved speed compared to the conventional speed, to recognize the obstacle in the image to avoid it and travel. It is anticipated that through the mobile robot using the surveillance camera-based shadow removal method and system of the present invention, the practical use of an intelligent image surveillance system that can automatically analyze images and recognize a dangerous situation to take quick action may be accelerated.

Abstract: The magnetic adsorbent for organic pollution removal is an adsorbent material, preferably in the form of microcapsules, for adsorbing organic pollutants, such as methylene blue, onto the microcapsules from contaminated water. Each of the magnetic adsorbent microcapsules is formed from magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) particles embedded in a nitrogen-enriched porous carbon matrix. To make the magnetic adsorbent microcapsules, urea and formaldehyde are mixed to form a pre-polymer solution. Magnetic Fe3O4 is mixed with an aqueous epoxy resin in hexane to form a mixture, which is then sonicated and added to the pre-polymer solution to form a polymeric solution. A surfactant, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, is added to the polymeric solution to form a suspension of magnetic microcapsules. The magnetic microcapsules are washed, filtered and dried before annealing in a tube furnace to form the adsorbent microcapsules, which are then washed and dried.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bone fusion and/or securing one or more bones, such as adjacent vertebra, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase-shifted square wave modulation technique for single-phase and three-phase IM2DC applications in HVDC/MVDC systems. A square wave based modulation waveform is applied to each cell of IM2DC and compared to the phase-shifted carrier waveforms to generate device gate signals. As a result, a higher equivalent switching frequency can be achieved, and square wave based arm and AC link waveforms will be generated. In addition, power flow of IM2DC can be controlled by a phase shift angle of the square modulation waveforms between HVS and LVS. The converter cell capacitors can be reduced in size because they are only required to smooth high switching frequency ripple components. In addition, lower TDR can be achieved due to the higher power transferring capability of square waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and computerized method optimizes or generates a sigma profile for a molecule by receiving a sigma profile for the molecule, calculating an activity coefficient for the molecule using the sigma profile for the molecule, calculating a solubility for the molecule using the activity coefficient for the molecule, optimizing or adjusting the sigma profile for the molecule by adjusting the sigma profile using an objective function and one or more constraints, providing the sigma profile to an output device communicably coupled to a processor.

Abstract: A range sensor includes: an n-type surface-buried region selectively buried in an upper portion of a pixel layer to implement a photodiode and extending from a light-receiving area toward plural portions shielded by a shielding plate along the upper portion of the pixel layer so as to provide a plurality of branches; n-type charge-accumulation regions having a higher impurity concentration than the surface-buried region; a plurality of transfer gate electrodes provided adjacent to the charge-accumulation regions; and an n-type guide region having a higher impurity concentration than the surface-buried region and a lower impurity concentration than the charge-accumulation regions, and provided with one end below an aperture of the shielding plate and other ends extending to a part of the respective transfer gate electrodes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for improving the extracellular expression level of a foreign protein by means of phospholipase fusion expression. Four proteins, PLA2, MBP, CBD and SUMO, are used as a fusion tag to construct a fusion gene. Compared with an original protein MOH without any fusion tag, the extracellular expression level and enzymatic activity of all the four fusion proteins are increased to some degree. Among them, the fusion protein using PLA2 as the fusion tag has the highest expression level, which is 7.4 times higher than that of the original protein. Compared with other fusion tags, PLA2 has a low molecular weight and the fusion protein having PLA2 as the fusion tag has the highest expression level (up to 12 g·L?1 in a 7 L fermentation tank for high-density fermentation). It is shown that the secretory expression of a foreign protein can be effectively increased by using PLA2 as a fusion tag.

Abstract: A medical training method includes generating an image of a first level of anatomical structures, displaying the image in a correct registration in a first display area on the surface of a portion of a simulated body, detecting a user input associated with the portion of the simulated body, and responsive to said detecting, generating and displaying at least one visual image in a correct registration in the first display area. A system for carrying out such method is also provided.

Abstract: A method performed by a processing device, the method comprising: obtaining first waveform data indicative of traversal of a first signal through a structure at a first time; applying a scale transform to the first waveform data and the second waveform data; computing, by the processing device and based on applying the scale transform, a scale-cross correlation function that promotes identification of scaling behavior between the first waveform data and the second waveform data; performing one or more of: computing, by the processing device and based on the scale-cross correlation function, a scale factor for the first waveform data and the second waveform data; and computing, by the processing device and based on the scale-cross correlation function, a scale invariant correlation coefficient between the first waveform data and the second waveform data.

Abstract: Described herein are quinazoline-based compounds and formulations thereof. In some embodiments, the compounds and/or formulations thereof can be effective to inhibit and/or kill A. baumannii. Also described herein are methods of treating a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject in need thereof a quinazoline-based compound and/or formulation thereof to the subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Device for assisting crawling of an infant (2) on a training surface comprising: - a platform (1) comprising a chest supporting surface for supporting a chest of the infant (2) resting on the platform (1) in a prone position, and - rolling elements (9) rotatably mounted on the platform in such a way they can rotate 360 degrees (1) and arranged to be located between the platform (1) and the training surface, wherein the platform (1) is shaped so that, when the rolling elements (9) are in contact with the training surface, the chest supporting surface of the platform (1) is inclined relative to the training surface, so that the pelvis and the legs of the infant (2) are in contact with the training surface.