Abstract: A method for treating a viral infection of a mammalian subject that comprises administering a virus-inhibiting amount of a halogenated xanthene, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an alkyl ester or amide or aromatic ester or amide derivative thereof as disclosed within, to that mammalian subject. A method of inducing a type I interferon response in a mammalian subject that presents with a microbial infection, cancerous tumor or hematological malignancy that comprises administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, effective to induce the type I interferon response. A method of enhancing a mammalian immunogen-specific immune response that comprises contacting mammalian cells, in vivo or present in a mammalian cell growth supporting medium, with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, and an immunogen to which that response is to be enhanced.

Abstract: A method of treating a pediatric cancerous solid tumor in a mammalian subject is disclosed that comprises intralesionally administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably Rose Bengal disodium, that elicits ablation of tumor cells of the administered tumor. Another contemplated method comprises the steps of intralesionally administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably Rose Bengal disodium, that elicits ablation of tumor cells of the administered tumor and systemically administering a tumor-inhibiting effective amount of a systemic anti-cancer medication that provides synergistic cytotoxicity with the halogenated xanthene. The two administrations can occur concurrently, or one prior to the other.

Abstract: A method of inducing a Type I interferon response in a mammalian subject that presents with a microbial infection, cancerous tumor or hematological malignancy that comprises administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, effective to induce the Type I interferon response. A method of enhancing a mammalian immunogen-specific immune response that comprises contacting mammalian cells, in vivo or present in a mammalian cell growth supporting medium, with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene, and an immunogen to which that response is to be enhanced. A mammalian HX compound-adjuvanted vaccine composition that contains an immunogen present in a vaccine-effective amount along with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene (HX) compound and one or more excipients present at about 0.001% by weight to 10% by weight of the vaccine composition dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammalian subject having hematologic, non-tumorous cancer cells is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (A) administering to such a mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a halogenated xanthene, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a C1-C4 alkyl ester thereof as a first cancer cytotoxic agent dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous medium. The mammalian subject is maintained for a period of time sufficient to induce death of hematologic, non-tumorous cancer cells. A contemplated administration is typically repeated. A contemplated treatment method can also be carried out in conjunction with administration to said mammalian subject of a second therapeutically effective amount of a second, differently-acting cancer cytotoxic agent dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium. The second cancer cytotoxic agent can be a small molecule or an intact antibody or paratope-containing portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing readout speed for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. The apparatus is useful with CMOS image sensors in all high-tech industries and used to capture images digitally. Specifically, the apparatus provides a CMOS image sensor which employs an analog network-on-chip for increasing readout speed. The apparatus includes an array of carrier signal generators which are used to modulate the pixel exposure to allow all pixels to be read and discerned simultaneously.

Abstract: System and method for guiding a drill using a subsurface model generated by successive full waveform inversions (FWI) on surface data and seismic-while-drilling (SWD) data. A server receives surface data from at least one surface sensor that records elastic energy radiated from surface seismic source and SWD data from at least one surface or at least one subsurface crosswell sensor (i.e., deployed in a nearby well). The server also receives top-drive measurements. A drillbit source signature estimation is performed, on the SWD data, by the server by blind deconvolution or by using drill string modeling and top-drive measurements. The server then performs FWI on the surface data by using the background subsurface velocity obtained by kinematic analysis of surface seismic data, to obtain an updated approximation of the subsurface velocity. The new approximation along with the drillbit source signature is then used when performing FWI on the SWD data.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to gyroscope related applications. A platform having at least one torus shaped channel that is filled with a liquid is used in conjunction with at least one marker to determine the direction of forces applied to the platform. Each marker is neutrally buoyant within the liquid and a marker tracking system is used to determine the displacement of the marker from its resting place after a force has been applied to the platform. The tracking system may be based on at least one digital camera in conjunction with suitable image processing software to determine the marker's position before, during, and after the force has been applied. A gyroscope can be constructed using three such platforms with each platform being orthogonal to the other two. Each platform may have multiple concentric channels with a common center with each channel having a different sensitivity to the applied forces.

Abstract: Control system and method for controlling power flow in dual active bridge converters. The control system comprises a compensator, a feedback unit, and a modulator. An outer loop provides a reference signal. The output of the compensator are the control parameters for the modulator. The feedback unit samples the transformer current once every half switching cycle to thereby determine a power level. The power level is used to determine a modulation technique to apply. The modulation technique is one of phase-shift modulation (PSM), variable duty cycle modulation (VDM), or triangular current mode modulation (TCM).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanomaterial comprising a nanoclay having a layered structure and carbon nanotubes being intercalated between layers of the layered of the nanoclay, and manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to sensors for measuring acceleration. Two attached containers are each filled with different liquids. At each junction of the two liquids, an indicator is placed. When acceleration forces are applied to the sensor, the indicator moves when the boundary between the two liquids similarly move. The amount of movement of the boundary and of the indicator is proportional to the amount of acceleration for applied. A tracking subsystem tracks the position of the indicator and, by determining the amount of movement of the indicator, the amount of acceleration force applied can be calculated. The indicator can be a particle or it can be a beam-like element that deflects when the boundary between the two liquids move.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an orientation of a tool face for a drilling rig. Multiple methods are provided that use estimated tool face orientation along with measured parameters to determine inputs to the drilling rig such that, after activation, the tool face has a desired orientation.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for dispersing nanoparticles in solvents, involving the use of a cationic species and an anionic species, where at least one of the ionic species is soluble in the nonpolar solvent and the other ionic species has a relatively strong affinity for the surface of the nanoparticles. The cationic species and the anionic species together form a cluster of ion pairs shielding the nanoparticles and enhancing their dispersibility in the nonpolar solvent.

Abstract: A sensor and method for use in measuring a physical characteristic of a fluid in a microfluidic system is provided. A microfluidic chip has a thin deformable membrane that separates a microfluidic channel from a microwave resonator sensor. The membrane is deformable in response to loading from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. Loading may be fluid pressure in the channel, or shear stress or surface stress resulting from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. The deformation of the membrane changes the permittivity in the region proximate the sensor. A change in permittivity causes a change in the electrical parameters of the sensor, thereby allowing for a characteristic of the fluid, such as flow rate, or a biological or chemical characteristic, to be measured. Also, a microwave sensor with improved sensitivity for characterizing a fluid in a microfluidic channel is provided.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in chemical looping combustion is provided. The catalyst includes a mixture of metal oxides dispersed on a ceramic support. The mixture of metal oxides forms a nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO4) interaction complex which functions as an oxygen carrier in the chemical looping combustion reaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in determining a device's speed. The system uses a plate having a front side that is perpendicular to the device's direction of travel. The airflow caused by the device's motion causes the plate to deflect from a resting position and the amount of deflection of the plate is proportional to the speed of the device. The amount of deflection is measured by a rotary encoder coupled to the plate. By properly calibrating the system, the system can determine the device's velocity simply from the airflow caused by the device's motion.

Abstract: A process for producing syngas including at least H2 and CO. The process includes the steps of a) generating a transition metal carbide by reacting a corresponding transition metal oxide with a fuel to produce a stream of syngas; and b) combining the transition metal carbide with oxygen to oxidize the transition metal carbide to regenerate the corresponding transition metal oxide, thereby producing a gas output comprising at least one or more oxidized carbon compounds and heat for autothermal operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the encryption and decryption of messages to be sent through a communications link. The system and method uses a random data source at the receive and transmit sides, along with a trusted random sampler that produces correlated random samples from the random data source to be used at the send and receive sides. At the transmit side, the correlated random sample is used to generate a symmetric key as well as a ciphertext. The symmetric key is then used to encrypt the message. The ciphertext is transmitted, along with the encrypted message, to the receive side. The receive side then uses the ciphertext, along with its own correlated random sample, to recover the symmetric key. The symmetric key is then used to decrypt the encrypted message.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the residence age of petroleum fluids in subsurface reservoirs. The methods facilitate the determination of the geological timing of the emplacement of a petroleum fluid in a porous reservoir, as distinct from the timing of petroleum generation in, and expulsion from, a source rock.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to bio-impedance analysis. The system eliminates the need for hardware phase measurements by using the K-K transform to extract the phase from the magnitude detected. The system has a magnitude detection sub-system that includes a signal generation block, a DC cancellation block, and an amplitude control block. An A/D converter converts the detected magnitude into a digital signal and signal processing is performed to extract the phase of the signal from the magnitude detected.

Abstract: A sulfur cathode generated at least in part by in situ electrochemical pulverization of a metallic sulfide compound is provided. The in situ generated sulfur cathode suppresses the unfavorable process of polysulfide shuttling to provide enhanced sulfur cathode performance and is envisioned for use in Li—S, Na—S, K—S, Ca—S, Mg—S or Al—S batteries used to support rechargeable electronic devices and electric vehicles.