Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing X-ray Computed Tomography scanning, the method including acquiring a plurality of images of an object, obtaining an initial image from the plurality of images, calculating NonLocal weight of the initial image, utilizing a current image estimation and registered prior image, performing a successive over-relaxation optimization to yield a new image estimation with an intensity of the new image estimation equal or greater than zero, performing a cycle update, generating an image of the object utilizing the new image estimation obtained from the optimization, and outputting a resultant image.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to objectively assess the quality of software products. The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium relate to determining a product maturity level of one or more software products. The disclosure describes a method for acquiring product quality attributes of a software product. Each product quality attribute is assessed by one or more metric parameters which test the software product by mathematical or logical test methodologies. Once evaluated, the one or more metric parameters and the one or more product quality attributes may each be mapped to a capability level based on a capability scale. A maturity level may be mapped from the capability level of the capability level of the one or more product quality attributes to the software product to provide a quality assessment of the software product.

Abstract: A method for making a nano-scale film includes the steps of: (a) providing a suspension including an organic solvent and a number of nano-scale particles dispersed therein; (b) dropping/releasing the suspension into a liquid having a specific gravity greater than that of the nano-scale particles; and (c) forming a uniform film of nano-scale particles on the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Abstract: Methods and materials for preparing organic semiconducting layers include, for example, one used in an organic semiconductor device including a substrate with a nano structured surface and an organic semiconductor film overlying the nanostructured surface. The semiconductor film is typically formed from macroscopically ordered polymer fibers made from selected conjugate polymer compounds. Such polymer fibers synthesized from selected conjugated polymer compounds and directionally aligned in organic semiconductor devices can provide these devices improved functional properties, including for example, unexpectedly high field effect saturation mobilities.

Abstract: A device that may be used as a multi-color pixel is provided. The device has a first organic light emitting device, a second organic light emitting device, a third organic light emitting device, and a fourth organic light emitting device. The device may be a pixel of a display having four sub-pixels. The first device may emit red light, the second device may emit green light, the third device may emit light blue light and the fourth device may emit deep blue light.

Abstract: A stochastic computational model parameter synthesis system comprising at least one processor capable of executing processor executable code, and a non-transitory computer memory operably coupled with the at least one processor and storing processor executable code, which when executed by processor, causes processor to synthesize at least one parameter of a stochastic computational model to satisfy one or more behavioral specifications of properties observed in a modeled system. The processor generates and searches randomized projections of a first parameter space having n dimensions into one or more second abstract parameter space having d dimensions, where d is less than n, and outputs a signal indicative of a synthesized parameter value to the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of transmitting feedback information by a base station supporting multi-user multi-input multi-output (MU-MIMO) to a network entity includes obtaining a projection matrix based on channel information estimated for multiple channels between antennas of the base station and each of user equipments, projecting at least one of the channel information and uplink data received from the user equipments to a second space from a first space using the projection matrix and transmitting feedback information including at least one of the projected channel information and the projected uplink data to the network entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle including a mesoporous silica nanoparticle having at least one adsorbent functional group bound thereto. The adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle also includes at least one catalytic material. In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using and making the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles. In some examples, the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles can be used to selectively remove fatty acids from feedstocks for biodiesel, and to hydrotreat the separated fatty acids.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a 3D porous electrode architecture comprises forming a microbattery template that includes (a) a lattice structure comprising a first lattice portion separated from a second lattice portion on a substrate, and (b) a solid structure on the substrate including a separating portion between the first and second lattice portions. Interstices of the first lattice portion are infiltrated with a first conductive material and interstices of the second lattice portion are infiltrated with a second conductive material. Each of the first and second conductive materials fill the interstices to reach a predetermined thickness on the substrate. The solid structure and the lattice structure are removed from the structure, thereby forming first and second conductive scaffolds comprising a porosity defined by the lattice structure and having a lateral size and shape defined by walls of the solid structure.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes a pressure vessel, an electrically conductive field cage assembly within the pressure vessel and an imaging subsystem. A pressurized gas mixture of CF4, 3He and 4He at respective partial pressures is used. The field cage establishes a relatively large drift region of low field strength, in which ionization electrons generated by neutron-He interactions are directed toward a substantially smaller amplification region of substantially higher field strength in which the ionization electrons undergo avalanche multiplication resulting in scintillation of the CF4 along scintillation tracks. The imaging system generates two-dimensional images of the scintillation patterns and employs track-finding to identify tracks and deduce the rate and direction of incident neutrons. One or more photo-multiplier tubes record the time-profile of the scintillation tracks permitting the determination of the third coordinate.

Abstract: A method of preparing hollow metal or metal oxide nano- or microspheres is provided. The method comprises providing a suspension comprising monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres, forming a layer of metal or metal oxide on the monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres, and adding an alkaline solution to the suspension to dissolve the polydopamine thereby forming the hollow metal or metal oxide nano- or microspheres.

Abstract: Monitoring and reporting of the temperature and/or other conditions of perishable and/or temperature sensitive products during transportation and storage is described. A system for wireless temperature monitoring can be carried out at a box level, but can provide information at a finer granularity than box-level. For temperature monitoring, the box (or other container) can be configured with a plurality of temperature sensors provided in an arrangement about the box and connected to a transmitter for communicating the temperature at each location to a monitoring system with a processor and database. A temperature profile and spatial model can be constructed by the processor and stored at the database to generate profiles for defined volumes within the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that involve the 36 kDa annexin II monomer, which has been identified as having immunostimulatory properties. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides compositions that include at least one 36 kDa annexin II monomer or an immunomodulatory fragment thereof. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that include administering to a subject a composition that includes at least one 36 kDa annexin II monomer or an immunomodulatory fragment thereof. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that induce an in situ increase in the 36 kDa annexin II monomer by administering to a subject an amount of composition effective to induce localized hypoxia sufficient to cause a localized increase in annexin II.

Abstract: A deodorant composition comprising arginine, bicarbonate, zinc and carbonate, preferably arginine bicarbonate and zinc carbonate (ABZC), and one or more physiologically acceptable excipients, administered for the modification of cutaneous microfloras—generally to reduce axillary odor, promote the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, inhibit the growth of Corynebacterium striatum bacteria, or any or all of the preceding.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering bioactive agents, such as vitamins, hormones, nutrients and drugs, by stabilizing and or solubilizing these agents in a polymer matrix. The carrier polymers can be used in drug delivery and are useful for delivery of small molecules. The carrier polymers also can be used in scaffolds for regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Uses of pyrrolopyrimidines with anti-Mer tyrosine kinase activity as anti-infective agents, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory agents, anti-cancer agents (including against MerTK?/? tumors and ITD and TKD mutant forms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)), and as adjunctive agents in combination with chemotherapeutic, radiation or other standard of care for neoplasms.

Abstract: An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and a conductive layer. The sleeve includes at least one opening configured to receive a finger and includes a closed end. The sleeve includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The closed end of the sleeve includes at least one through hole located between the inner surface and the outer surface. The conductive layer is located on the outer surface of the sleeve and covers the closed end and the at least one through hole. The conductive layer includes a carbon structure.

Abstract: A method of controlled in vivo drug delivery is provided. A porous silicon matrix having pores sized and configured to admit to trap and then release a predetermined molecular complex with a predetermined dose-time profile is selected. The matrix contains the predetermined molecular complex so that the predetermined molecular complex is disposed within the pores of the porous silicon matrix. The matrix is introduced into a human body. The drug releases according the dose-time profile. The introduction can be via transdermal introduction, intramuscular injection, intravenous introduction, surgical implantation, inhalation, and oral ingestion.

Abstract: Cercis ‘Pink Pom Poms’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud tree that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety including (1) ease of asexual propagation using chip budding, (2) semi-upright growth habit; (3) foliage with glossy green color; (4) bright purple-violet double flowers produced in abundance during the spring; and female structures that are essentially sterile, resulting in no seed pod set.