Abstract: A heat engine including a compressor, an expander, a reactor in which first and second reactants in a working fluid can react with each other, the reactor arranged between the compressor and the expander, and a condenser for condensing a gas in the working fluid, the condenser arranged between the expander and the compressor. There is also provided a method of operating a heat engine.

Abstract: This system and method of for providing a tunable orbital angular momentum system for providing higher order Bessel beams comprising: an acousto-optical deflector configured to receive an input beam, deflect a first portion of the input beam a first deflection angle relative to an axis of propagation and along an optical axis and deflect a second portion of the input beam a second deflection angle relative to the optical axis; a line generator disposed along the optical angle for receiving the first portion and the second portion of the input beam and provide an elliptical Gaussian mean; a log-polar optics assembly disposed along the optical angle for receiving the elliptical Gaussian beam and wrapping the elliptical Gaussian beam with an asymmetric ring; and, a Fourier lens configured to receive the wrapped elliptical Gaussian beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing the likelihood of effectiveness of aspirin-based chemoprotection against colorectal cancer among individuals as well as methods for improving aspirin-based chemoprotection against colorectal cancer. Kits useful for such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a stress blank angle eliminating device and method for a dynamic true triaxial electromagnetic Hopkinson bar. Objectives of eliminating influence of a stress blank angle in a sample in a test and preventing permanent deformation caused by mutual collision between the Hopkinson bars are achieved. The adjustable test device for eliminating the stress blank angle eliminates influence of the stress blank angle generated by the sample in a triaxial six-direction dynamic impact test process, and is convenient for obtaining real dynamic failure parameters of the sample.

Abstract: A hybrid Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and Machine Learning (ML) systems and apparatus for classification in the case of data instances with imbalanced class distribution, including a Hidden Markov Model for generating a log-likelihood score for each data instance. Implementations of the hybrid system and method detect fraudulent activity and classifies documents with accuracy that surpasses conventional classifiers. In one implementation, Hidden Markov Model (HMM) for generating a log-likelihood score based on an attribute value vector for a set of keyword features characterizing a Web page. In one implementation, the HMM generates a log-likelihood score based on an attribute value vector for page layout characterizing a document image. Resulting attribute value vectors are ranked and divided into bins grouped by log-likelihood scores within equal ranges. Various machine learning models are trained using the balanced vectors obtained by accumulating from all the bins of vectors.

Abstract: Provided are a corrosion-resistant oxide dispersion strengthened steel and a method for preparing the corrosion-resistant oxide dispersion strengthened steel. The corrosion-resistant oxide dispersion strengthened steel includes in percentage by mass: Cr at 8.0 wt %-10.0 wt %, Al at 4.0 wt %-6.0 wt %, Ce at 0.2 wt %-0.8 wt %, Y at 0.2 wt %-0.4 wt %, O at 0.05 wt %-0.3 wt %, C less than or equal to 0.0016 wt %, and the balance of Fe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a full-automatic high-pressure spray cleaning and rust prevention device and an application method thereof. The device comprises a cleaning platform, a center rod and a swingable clamp module; the center rod is arranged on the cleaning platform, and an upper end is fixedly provided with the swingable clamp module; the swingable clamp module comprises a worm gear and worm assembly and a clamp, and the worm gear and worm assembly is capable of driving the clamp to deflect up and down; a driving mechanism arranged in a bottom portion of the cleaning platform is in driving connection with the center rod, so that the center rod is capable of driving the swingable clamp module to realize vertical lifting motion and rotary station switching; and the cleaning platform is sequentially provided with a positioning and spraying area, an air-drying area and a rust prevention area around the center rod.

Abstract: A device configured to inhibit the reflectance of electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. This characterization is a combination of material and geometric parameters which are unique and tunable enabling resonating frequencies (spectral selectivity) in the THz range (0.1-25) with narrow channel widths (FWHM) controllable by the thickness and electrical properties of the crystalline material. This device may be integrated with broadband sources or co-integrated with other analytical detection methods (e.g., chromatography, Fourier Transform Reflectance Spectroscopy).

Abstract: An antenna for transmitting power in a wireless power transfer system comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a proximal end and a distal end extending helically about a first central axis. The second arm has a proximal end and a distal end extending helically about a second central axis toward the distal end of the first arm. A radius between the second arm and the second central axis increases in a distal direction away from the proximal end.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to overcome the current limitations of immune checkpoint immunotherapy to provide more effective methods of treating cancer. In embodiments this invention provides a means of using of p53 gene therapy to augment immune checkpoint inhibition by combining antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules with SGT-53, a nanomedicine carrying a plasmid encoding human wild-type p53. This invention provides means of increasing tumor immunogenicity, enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses, and reducing tumor-induced immunosuppression, sensitizing otherwise refractory tumors to anti-immune checkpoint antibodies. In other embodiments this invention also unexpectedly reduces immune-related toxicities that are seen with immunotherapies.

Abstract: A metal artifact reduction (MAR) method and system for reducing metal artifacts from X-ray images. The method is suitable for CT images generated with metallic elements exterior to a patient being scanned, for example, where external probes are applied to a patient, such as ultrasound probes. The method may be embodied in a computer algorithm for use, for example, in radiotherapy treatment planning and patient positioning procedures. In one application, the disclosed technique improves the dose delivery accuracy in ultrasound-guided cardiac radioablation, making this treatment modality a viable option for cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an affinity purification system that utilises a polypeptide comprising: (i) an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein X at position 79 is selected from alanine, glycine, serine, asparagine, or threonine; (ii) a portion of (i) comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein X at position 56 is selected from alanine, glycine, serine, asparagine or threonine; (iii) an amino acid sequence with at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the polypeptide comprises alanine, glycine, serine, asparagine or threonine at a position equivalent to position 79 of SEQ ID NO: 1; or (iv) a portion of (iii) comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the polypeptide comprises alanine, glycine, serine, asparagine or threonine at a position equivalent to position 56 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the polypeptide binds selectively and reversibly

Abstract: A biodegradable filter for the removal of various pollutants, contaminants, or harmful substances from the surrounding air, and a method of fabrication. The filter includes 30% by weight of cellulose nanofibers, 30% by weight of activated carbon, and 20% by weight of polyethylene glycol. The cellulose nanofibers and activated carbon are isolated from date palm biomass, making the filter cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A baling mechanism of a cotton picker and a control system of the baling mechanism are provided. The baling mechanism of the cotton picker includes a fixed box and a movable box. A fixed rocker arm, a fixed rocker arm driving cylinder, a fixed roller system and a fixed baling belt are arranged in the fixed box, and the movable box is hinged with the fixed box. A movable rocker arm, a movable rocker arm driving cylinder, a movable roller system and a movable baling belt are arranged in the movable box. A cotton bale forming chamber is jointly enclosed and formed by the fixed baling belt and the movable baling belt. In this disclosure, a multi-way valve is used to control the flow rate of oil circuits where the fixed rocker arm driving cylinder and the rocker arm driving oil cylinder are located, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Paenibacillus strain capable of producing polysaccharides with an after-sun repair effect and use thereof. This strain is classified and named as Paenibacillus polymyxa PYQ1, preserved in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with a preservation number of CGMCC No. 16444. The present invention includes isolation and cultivation of strains and 16S rDNA identification; obtaining extracellular polysaccharides from fermentation product of the strain and use of the extracellular polysaccharides produced by the strains in repairing after-sun damages.

Abstract: A device may obtain imaging data. The imaging data that is obtained depicts one or more body parts of a patient. A voltage sensitive dye may be applied to stain nerve tissue associated with the one or more body parts of the patient. The voltage sensitive dye may be activated by neuromodulation applied to stimulate the nerve tissue. The imaging data may capture a fluorescence of the nerve tissue based on the voltage sensitive dye being activated by neuromodulation. The device may provide the imaging data for display.

Abstract: A cardiovascular variability parameter can be detected independent of the relative absorption contribution of melanin in biological tissue. A light source and a polarization shaping device can illuminate a biological tissue with a polarized light having an inhomogeneous optical polarization wavefront. A polarization analyzer can receive the polarized light after it has interacted with the biological tissue and output a first and second polarization state. A detection device can have a light detector for detecting the first and second polarization state and at least a processor for detecting data related to the first and second polarization states, determining relative absorptions contributions of superficial and deep components of the biological tissue based on the first and second polarization states, and determining the cardiovascular variability parameter based on the relative absorption contributions of the superficial and deep components.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising hematopoietic growth factor proteins and/or protein analogs thereof and/or combinations thereof and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors to treat the acute and long term adverse effects of radiation exposure in subjects who have been or will be exposed to radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a self-regulating electric heating film, including: an insulating isolation layer, an interdigital electrode arranged on the surface of the insulating isolation layer, a positive temperature coefficient coating covering the surface of a secondary electrode of the interdigital electrode, and an insulating protective layer covering the surface of a primary electrode of the interdigital electrode, wherein the positive temperature coefficient coating is not in contact with the primary electrode of the interdigital electrode, and the insulating protective layer overlaps the positive temperature coefficient coating.

Abstract: Implanted medical devices need a mechanism of immobilization to surrounding tissues, which minimizes tissue damage while providing reliable long-term anchoring. This disclosure relates to techniques for patterning arbitrarily shaped 3D objects and to patterned balloon devices having micro- or nano-patterning on an outer surface of an inflatable balloon. The external pattern can provide enhanced friction and anchoring in an aqueous environment. Examples of these types of patterns are hexagonal arrays inspired by tree frogs, corrugated patterns, and microneedle patterns. The patterned balloon devices can be disposed between an implant and surrounding tissues to facilitate anchoring of the implant.