Abstract: A method of authenticating a user for access includes creating an authentication key in the form of a user formula selected from a set of variables and operations provided by the authentication system, storing the user formula in the authentication system, utilizing a display to present the user with an arrangement of variables generated by the authentication system including the variables of the user formula, each assigned a value, applying the assigned values to matching variables in the user formula and calculating a first result, interspersing one or more additional characters among the characters of the first result, and conveying the first result with the additional characters to the authentication system. The authentication system authenticates the user if the number of additional characters conveyed with the first result is below a predetermined threshold and the first result matches a second result of a separate and independent calculation of the user formula by the authentication system.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a user for access includes creating an authentication key in the form of a user formula selected from a set of variables and operations provided by the authentication system, storing the user formula in the authentication system, utilizing a display to present the user with an arrangement of variables generated by the authentication system including the variables of the user formula, each assigned a value, applying the assigned values to matching variables in the user formula and calculating a first result, interspersing one or more additional characters among the characters of the first result, and conveying the first result with the additional characters to the authentication system. The authentication system authenticates the user if the number of additional characters conveyed with the first result is below a predetermined threshold and the first result matches a second result of a separate and independent calculation of the user formula by the authentication system.

Abstract: A user authentication method includes creating an authentication key in the form of a user formula, presenting a user with an arrangement of variables, each assigned a value, applying the assigned values to matching variables in the user formula and calculating a first result, and authenticating the user if the first result matches a second result of a separate and independent calculation of the user formula.

Abstract: This invention includes biochips for analysis of a variety of molecules, cell components and cells. Embodiments of this invention include devices and methods for the parallel and/or nearly parallel processing of biological analytes. Biochips can comprise a substrate, Raman signal-enhancing structures, and receptors selective and/or specific for the analyte(s) to be assayed. Biochips can be read using a Raman reader and can provide for rapid, sensitive, direct assays for physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions of interest.

Abstract: This invention comprises novel enhancing particle structures and beads which can have receptor molecules attached thereto. The structures are useful for Raman spectroscopic detection of markers associated with analyses of analytes in complex solutions containing molecules of interest. Analytes that can be detected using these methods include nucleic acids, proteins, cytokines, hormones, vitamins, those from bacteria, viruses, cells and tissues, and other molecules that can specifically bind to the analyte receptors. Beads can be used as biomarkers, as analytical tools, and as tags for combinatorial syntheses.

Abstract: This invention comprises devices, compositions and methods for quantitative detecting analytes in complex solutions by Raman spectroscopy. Passivating agents associated with enhancing surfaces can decrease direct, non-specific interaction between analytes and the enhancing surface. By decreasing direct interaction between analytes and enhancing surfaces, relatively more selective detection of the analyte can be performed. Analyte receptors can be either highly selective or have lesser selectivity. Reproducible, concentration-dependent Raman spectroscopic analyses can be performed using flow-through cells incorporating passivated substrates. By using receptors having low selectivity, different analytes can be detected simultaneously. Flow cells are provided that permit rapid, and/or continuous monitoring of samples, thereby permitting automated sample analysis.