Abstract: A shoulder-surfing resistant authentication method and system includes a computing device, such as a smart phone, which includes a display for presenting an interactive virtual environment. During the authentication process, the user enters a passcode by modifying one or more attributes of one or more icons that are presented relative to the interactive environment. Such attributes may include one or more of the type of movement the icons perform, the change in position or visual characteristics of the icons relative to the virtual environment, as well as the removal and/or addition of one or more icons relative to the virtual environment. The entered passcode is then compared with a previously stored or “set” passcode to authenticate the user before granting access to the computing device.

Abstract: A rotor bearing system radially supporting a rotor, held in magnetic suspension without contact, by active radial magnetic bearing phased arrays, bearing sensors used to measure the rotor motion and bearing properties, a controller system used to adjust variable magnetic bearing parameters via amplifiers for each array element in response to bearing sensors, to change bearing local array element stiffness and damping, generating bearing forces for levitating the rotor, stabilizing rotor vibrations, and acting as a rotor vibration actuator.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ultrasensitive and selective system and method for detecting reactants of the chemical/biochemical reaction catalyzed by an oxidoreductase, such as glucose and ethanol, at a concentration level down to zepto molar (10?21 M). In embodiments, the invention provides an ampyometric immuno-sensing system comprising a working electrode, an oxidoreductase, and an external voltage generator, wherein the oxidoreductase is immobilized on the working electrode; and the voltage generator generates a voltage to induce an electric field that permeates at least a portion of the interface between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode. The ultrasensitivity of the system and method is believed to be caused by the electrical field, which enhances the quantum mechanical tunneling effect in the interface, and therefore facilitates the interfacial electron transfer between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode.

Abstract: When forming ultra-conductive wire, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are dispersed and de-agglomerated in hot metal. The MWCNTs are dispersed in a precursor matrix via mixing and sintering to form precursor material, which is hot-extruded multiple rounds at a predetermined temperature to form a nano-composite material. The nano-composite material is inserted into a metal bar to form a nano-composite billet (306), which is subjected to multiple rounds of hot extrusion to form an ultra-conductive material. The ultra-conductive material is subjected to one or more rounds of hot wire drawing to form an ultra-conductive wire comprising a nano-composite filament.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A Homologous Pairing Capture Assay is described which enables detection of coalignment between homologous DNA sequences. The assay involves ligating closely positioned homologous sequences to each other thereby generating head-to-head ligation products or inverted repeats. DNA fragments containing an inverted repeat are then converted into hairpin DNA molecules. The hairpin DNA molecules can then be readily separated from DNA molecules free of inverted repeats. Also described are various diagnostic applications and kits relating to the assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I), a pharmaceutical composition thereof, a method of preparing a medicament for the treatment of a cancer, and a method of treating cancers. The invention exhibits merits against cancers such as significantly higher potency and effectiveness over a broader range of cancers. In formula (I), Ra is a benzyl group with alkyl and/or alkoxy; Rb is selected from H and alkyl groups; Rf is an alkyl; and R3 is selected from a substituted phenyl, a heterocyclic group, and wherein Rc is selected from a fused ring, fused rings, and any bivalent cyclic group.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, inexpensive, accurate, and rapid method of measuring particle settling velocity comprising: (i) providing a gravity settler such as a column; (ii) filling the column with a first homogenous particle suspension, wherein the particle concentration in the first homogenous particle suspension is X, (iii) separating the column into an upper sub-column and a lower sub-column with a height h after settling the first homogenous particle suspension for a period of time t, wherein some particles remain in the upper sub-column; (iv) removing the particle suspension in the upper sub-column and mixing the particle suspension confined in the lower sub-column with a height h to prepare a second homogenous particle suspension; (v) measuring the particle concentration in the second homogenous particle suspension X; and (vi) determining the particle settling velocity v with the formula: v=h(X?X)ltX. Also provided are device and system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ultrasensitive and selective system and method for detecting reactants of the chemical reaction catalyzed by an oxidoreductase, such as glucose and ethanol, at a concentration level down to zepto molar (10?21 M). In embodiments, the invention provides a cyclic voltammetry system comprising a working electrode, an oxidoreductase, and an electric field generator, wherein the oxidoreductase is immobilized on the working electrode; and the electric field generator generates an electric field that permeates at least a portion of the interface between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode. The ultrasensitivity of the system and method is believed to be caused by that the electrical field enhances quantum mechanical tunneling effect in the interface, and therefore facilitates the interfacial electron transfer between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Diagnostic tests for characterizing a test subject's risk of developing or having cancer, based on determining the level of LRG1 and/or CD13 in a bodily sample obtained from a test subject are described. Levels of LRG1 and/or CD13 are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of the levels of LRG1 and/or CD13 in comparable bodily samples obtained from control subjects. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing or having cancer.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Nano-composite structures are formed by pre-loading carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into at least one of a plurality of channels running the length of a cartridge, placing the pre-loaded cartridge in a piston chamber of a die-casting machine, creating a vacuum therein, and filing the piston chamber with molten metal to soak the pre-loaded cartridge and fill empty cartridge channels. Pressure is applied via the piston to eject the carbon nanotubes and molten metal from the cartridge channels and inject the nano-composite mixture into a rod-shaped die cavity. The internal diameter of the cavity is equal to or less than the final diameter of the nozzle. The nano-composite mixture is cooled to form a solid nano-composite rod having the first predetermined diameter, wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a non-random manner. Furthermore, drawing down the nano-composite rod to smaller diameter wire further disperses the nanotubes along the length of the wire.

Abstract: Example compositions of liposomes with hydrophilic polymers on their surface, and containing relatively high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example pharmaceutical compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents, and example methods for using the compositions.