Abstract: A method, device, and storage/recording medium for image encoding, including: obtaining first coding information for a first coding unit, in a first image, indicating a scheme for encoding the first coding unit into a first bitstream of the first image; determining, based on a relative position relationship between a target region in a second image obtained from the first image and a second coding unit in the second image, a reuse mode for the second coding unit regarding the first coding information, the second coding unit corresponding to the first coding unit, the target region indicating a region in the second image different from the first image; determining second coding information for the second coding unit based on the reuse mode; and generating a second bitstream for the second image based on the second coding information. Thereby, reducing computational complexity of transcoding and avoiding degradation of coding performance/quality.

Abstract: A self-service apparatus having a three-layer system architecture includes an application-layer device, an intermediate-layer device, and bottom-layer peripheral devices. The application-layer device is configured to provide a user interface for self-service and control the entire self-service apparatus according to an interaction with the user to provide the user with required self-service, and comprises a first processor and a first memory. The first processor executes an application program stored in the first memory and communicates with the intermediate-layer device. The intermediate-layer device comprises a terminal control module which comprises a second processor and a second memory. The second processor communicates with the bottom-layer peripheral devices, and the second processor executes a control program stored in the second memory to control operations of the peripheral devices based on an instruction from the application-layer device.

Abstract: A floating observation system includes a floating platform. The floating platform includes an upper deck, upright posts, a device compartment, a ballast compartment, a radome structure and a device installation base. Top ends of the upright posts are connected to the upper deck, and bottom ends of the upright posts are connected to the device compartment. The ballast compartment is connected to the device compartment. The radome structure is borne on the upper deck. The device installation base is arranged on an outer surface of the floating platform. Various types of auxiliary devices are borne by the upper deck and the device compartment on the floating platform. Various observation devices borne by the device installation base are arranged on the outer surface of the floating platform to observe different kinds of information and to observe spaces above, on and under water, thus meeting a demand for comprehensive observation in all dimensions.

Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a shell, a cartridge receptacle, and a skeleton. The cartridge receptacle may be formed from a cartridge interface disposed at least partially inside a sheath. The cartridge interface may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical couplings with a vaporizer cartridge when the vaporizer cartridge is disposed inside the cartridge receptacle. The plurality of electrical couplings may include a first electrical coupling with a heating element of the vaporizer cartridge. The plurality of electrical couplings may further include a second electrical coupling with a cartridge identification chip of the vaporizer cartridge. The skeleton may be coupled with the cartridge interface. The skeleton may be configured to secure the cartridge interface inside the shell.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including: an aerosol-generating device to receive an aerosol-forming substrate and generate an aerosol from the substrate, the device including a rechargeable power source; a charger electrically connectable to the device to supply power to the device to recharge the power source; and an electrical connector including: a first connector part including electrical contacts and a first magnetic element, and a second connector part, releasably electrically connectable to the first part and including electrical contacts, at least one of which is a resilient contact actuable between an extended position and a depressed position and is biased to return to the extended position, and a second magnetic element, the device including one of the first and second connector parts and the charger including the other one of the first and second connector parts, and the first and second connector parts are positionable in a first connection position.

Abstract: Nanoparticles containing an aqueous core containing one or more nucleic acids, such as siRNA, and a shell containing one or more hydrophobic cationic materials, one or more amphiphilic materials, and one or more therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic agents are. The hydrophobic cationic material and the hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic material provide a non-polar polymer matrix for loading non-polar drugs, protect and promoting siRNA molecule retention inside the NP core, and control drug release. The hydrophilic portion of the amphiphilic material can form a corona around the particle which prolongs circulation of the particles in the blood stream and decreases uptake by the RES.

Abstract: The present invention provides various functionalized nanodiamond particles. In particular, the present invention provides soluble complexes of nanodiamond particles and therapeutic agents, for example insoluble therapeutics, anthracycline and/or tetracycline compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, etc. The present invention also provides materials and devices for the controlled release of therapeutics, and methods for uses thereof.

Abstract: A cartridge may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir and a wick housing disposed inside the cartridge housing, a heating element, and a wicking element. The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled with the vaporizer device. The reservoir may be configured to contain a vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include cartridge contacts that form an electric coupling with receptacle contacts in the receptacle. The wicking element may be disposed within the wick housing and proximate to the heating portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw the vaporizable material to the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to the rare metal smelting field, and particularly, the present invention relates to a tantalum powder for preparing capacitors and a process for preparing the tantalum powder, and to a sintered anode prepared from the tantalum powder. As to the tantalum powder as provided by the invention, its primary tantalum powder has a BET of from 3.0 to 4.5 m2/g. After the secondary agglomeration, the tantalum powder has a large particle size. The tantalum powder has an average Fisher sub-sieve size (FSSS) of 1.2 to 3.0 ?m wherein as measured with a standard sieve mesh, more than 75% of tantalum powder has a +325-mesh, and a particle size distribution D50 of more than 60 ?m, that is, the secondary particle size is high. A resultant capacitor anode prepared by sintering the tantalum powder of the invention at 1200° C. for 20 minutes and then being energized at the voltage of 20 V has the specific capacitance of from 140,000 to 180,000 ?FV/g and the residual current of less than 1.0 nA/?FV.

Abstract: Sub-100 micron multimodal nanoparticles have four main components: 1) a target element (peptides, lipids, antibodies, small molecules, etc.) that can selectively bind to cells, tissues, or organs of the body; 2) a diagnostic agent such as a fluorophore or NMR contrast agent that allows visualization of nanoparticles at the site of delivery and/or a therapeutic or prophylactic agent; 3) an outside “stealth” layer that allows the particles to evade recognition by immune system components and increase particle circulation half-life; and 4) a biodegradable polymeric material, forming an inner core which can carry therapeutics and release the payloads at a sustained rate after systemic, intraperitoneal, or mucosal administration. These particles possess excellent stability, high loading efficiency, multiple agent encapsulation, targeting and imaging. They are targeted to sites of, or associated with, inflammation caused by a disease, disorder; trauma, chemotherapy or radiation.

Abstract: Provided is a floating observation system, comprising a floating platform. The floating platform comprises an upper deck (1), several upright posts (3), a device compartment (2), a ballast compartment (4), a radome structure (5) and a device installation base (6). Top ends of the upright posts (3) are connected to the upper deck (1), and bottom ends thereof are connected to the device compartment (2). The ballast compartment (4) is connected to the device compartment (2). The radome structure (5) is borne on the upper deck (1). The device installation base (6) is arranged on the outer surface of the floating platform. The floating platform has a reasonable structure and a powerful bearing capacity. Various types of devices can be borne by the upper deck (1) and the device compartment (2) on the floating platform.

Abstract: Methods of controlled delivery of bioactive therapeutics are provided. Compositions comprising therapeutic implants are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the rare metal smelting field, and particularly, the present invention relates to a tantalum powder for preparing capacitors and a process for preparing the tantalum powder, and to a sintered anode prepared from the tantalum powder. As to the tantalum powder as provided by the invention, its primary tantalum powder has a BET of from 3.0 to 4.5 m2/g. After the secondary agglomeration, the tantalum powder has a large particle size. The tantalum powder has an average Fisher sub-sieve size (FSSS) of 1.2 to 3.0 ?m wherein as measured with a standard sieve mesh, more than 75% of tantalum powder has a +325-mesh, and a particle size distribution D50 of more than 60 ?m, that is, the secondary particle size is high. A resultant capacitor anode prepared by sintering the tantalum powder of the invention at 1200° C. for 20 minutes and then being energized at the voltage of 20 V has the specific capacitance of from 140,000 to 180,000 ?FV/g and the residual current of less than 1.0 nA/?FV.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having a positive feedback delivery system include an agent specific for a target in combination with a target inducing agent. Upon administration to a subject, the targeting moiety on the nanoparticles binds to available targets in the subject. The nanoparticles release the target inducing agent and, optionally, a therapeutic agent, at the site where the nanoparticles bind the target. The inducing agent causes additional targets to be expressed. More nanoparticles bind to the additional, induced targets. By inducing additional targets to be expressed at specific regions in the subject that require treatment, more nanoparticles can bind to the targets in that specific region of interest, increasing the concentration of nanoparticles at a specific area of subject is increased.

Abstract: Nanoparticles containing an aqueous core containing one or more nucleic acids, such as siRNA, and a shell containing one or more hydrophobic cationic materials, one or more amphiphilic materials, and one or more therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic agents are. The hydrophobic cationic material and the hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic material provide a non-polar polymer matrix for loading non-polar drugs, protect and promoting siRNA molecule retention inside the NP core, and control drug release. The hydrophilic portion of the amphiphilic material can form a corona around the particle which prolongs circulation of the particles in the blood stream and decreases uptake by the RES.

Abstract: The present invention provides various functionalized nanodiamond particles. In particular, the present invention provides soluble complexes of nanodiamond particles and therapeutic agents, for example insoluble therapeutics, anthracycline and/or tetracycline compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, etc. The present invention also provides materials and devices for the controlled release of therapeutics, and methods for uses thereof.

Abstract: A canopy structure comprising a framework which includes a pair of spacedly disposed, curved tubes, a connecting member disposed between the respective forward ends of the two tubes, and a cross-member connectedly disposed between the two tubes at the highest point thereof. A forward horizontal beam is mounted on the cross-member and a rear horizontal beam is mounted at a position between the two tubes and to the rear of the forward horizontal beam. An adhesive strip is disposed upon each tube by enveloping means, and forward and rear glass panels are fixedly arranged on the canopy structure by means of said adhesive strips and by the forward and rear horizontal beams respectively. Also disclosed are a canopy assembly structure using a fixed column to fixedly connect one component having a metallic spacer with spacing holes to another component having mounting holes, and a cradle-type vehicle frame having a backrest framework.