Abstract:
Controller scaling and parameterization (2900) 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 apply to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection (ADRC) controllers. Parameterization simplifies the use of ADRC. A discrete extended state observer (DESO) and a generalized extended state observer (GESO) are described. They improve the performance of the ESO and therefore ADRC. A tracking control algorithm is also described that improves the performance of the ADRC controller. A general algorithm is described for applying ADRC to multi-input multi-output systems. Several specific applications of the control systems and processes are disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention provides a drug delivery vehicle for inhalation by a patient. The drug delivery vehicle comprises biocompatible particles between 0.1 and 1.0 microns in diameter, that are loaded with one or more drugs and which are crosslinked together to form agglomerates. The agglomerates can also provide for delivery of contrast-enhancing agents for clinical imaging. The invention also provides methods of making the inventive agglomerates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agglomerates, and methods for delivering drugs or contrast-enhancing agents to a patient by inhalation of pharmaceutical compositions containing the agglomerates.
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:
Electrodes comprising ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are disclosed. The ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are located within the electrode or as a coating thereon. The electrode is especially suited for measuring the presence and/or concentration of nitric oxide in a sample.
Abstract:
Disclosed are an amino acid sequence of the human blood clotting factor Va, peptides containing such sequence, and additional peptides of interest that significantly inhibit thrombin generation. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptides and related therapeutic methods for inhibiting thrombin generation and treating blood coagulation disorders.
Abstract:
An actuating device for orthosis including a housing, a motor, a transmission disposed in the housing, and an actuating arm. The transmission is operatively connected to the motor such that the motor provides power to the transmission. The transmission includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. The first stage has a first sprocket, a second sprocket, and a first drive belt tensioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket. The first sprocket is attached to a shaft of the motor. The second stage has a third sprocket, a fourth sprocket, and a second drive belt tensioned by the third sprocket and the fourth sprocket. The third sprocket is attached to the second sprocket of the first stage. The third stage has a fifth sprocket, a sixth sprocket, and a third drive belt tensioned by the fifth sprocket and the sixth sprocket. The fifth sprocket is attached to the fourth sprocket of the second stage. The transmission additionally includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The second sprocket, the third sprocket, and the sixth sprocket are attached to the first shaft, and the fourth sprocket and the fifth sprocket are attached to the second shaft. The actuating arm is operatively connected to the sixth sprocket of the third stage of the transmission such that the power provided to the transmission by the motor causes the actuating arm to provide an output torque.
Abstract:
A method of creating a miniature multicellular biological construct and a method for studying cellular environments using the miniature multicellular biological construct is provided. The method for making the miniature multicellular biological construct includes suspending cells in a hydrogel, depositing the cell-suspension into a microwell, gelling the cell-suspension, and incubating the cell-suspension. The method for studying cellular environments includes imaging the miniature multicellular biological construct.
Abstract:
The invention provides an electrode and an electrochemical device including the electrode. The electrode comprises a spatial confining structure such as grooves and an active compound such as glucose oxidase (GOx). The grooves spatially confines GOx, and stabilizes its enzymatic activity. Also provided is a method of stabilizing the activity of an active compound such as GOx. The invention can be widely used in development of an energy-generation device such as a fuel cell, a memory, an electrochemical reactor, a supercapacitor, a biosensor and a medical device thereof such as artificial pancreas, and a sensor such as detector of redox reactant.
Abstract:
Various methods and strategies are disclosed for detecting human tumors, and specifically colorectal tumors. Methods are also disclosed for detecting truncation mutations in a large background of wild-type DNA. And, methods for detecting AP mutations in a large background of wild-type DNA are also disclosed.
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.