Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is employed to implement phase modulation of an optical signal. The interferometer is biased at its maximum extinction point. The modulated optical signal may have a peak magnitude between approximately 30% and 80% of a maximum output power of the interferometer.

Abstract: An advantageous amplification architecture for DWDM systems including systems with very high capacity is provided. A modular interleaved structure for amplification is provided. Advantages include robustness to non-linear effects, modular as-needed deployment of system capacity, and low noise figure in implementations that incorporate Raman amplification technology.

Abstract: An object code expansion program inserts new instructions and data between preexisting instructions and date of an object code file; offsets are modified to reflect new positions of the preexisting instructions and data. For each item of preexisting object code (instructions or data), the following steps are performed: making a new code block comprising any desired new instructions and the item, and storing it as new object code; tracking the location of the item and the new code block within the new object code; and tracking items that contain inter-item offsets. Then, each inter-item offset is updated using the new location of the item or new code block, as required. Finally, offsets in symbol tables and relocation structures are updated with the new location of the item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the length of a cable link in a computer network sends a test signal through the cable and examines how the signal is received. Measurements of the signal transit time, decrease in signal amplitude, and decrease in signal power are three techniques that may be used to measure cable lengths, individually or in combination. One or more transceivers are connected to the cable to send and receive the test signals, so that there is no need for access to the cable, except at the ends. Cable lengths may be calculated for both electrically conductive and fiber optic type cables. The length of an existing cable may be compared with a maximum length allowed by a particular data transfer protocol to verify compliance, or it may be compared against a previously stored value for purposes such as security checks to verify that the cable properties have not been altered as they might be if the cable were tapped, rerouted or extended.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning scanned images are provided. A pattern is included in the scanned image so that when the image is convolved with a filter, a recognizable pattern is generated in the convolved image. The scanned image may then be aligned according to the position of the recognizable pattern in the convolved image. The filter may also act to remove the portions of the scanned image that do not correspond to the pattern in the scanned image.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that is a series of measurements for a sample at a scanning location over time can be displayed on a display device in a series of bands. Additionally, the series of bands for multiple samples can be aligned on the display device.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing a channel used by a digital communication system. In an OFDM system, the number of training symbols used to characterize a channel may be decreased by taking advantage of knowledge of certain channel components, e.g., transmitter and/or receiver digital filters. The number of training symbols used may be less than v, the duration of the impulse response of the overall channel.

Abstract: A computer system for analyzing nucleic acid sequences is provided. The computer system is used to perform multiple methods for determining unknown bases by analyzing the fluorescence intensities of hybridized nucleic acid probes. The results of individual experiments may be improved by processing nucleic acid sequences together. Comparative analysis of multiple experiments is also provided by displaying reference sequences in one area and sample sequences in another area on a display device.

Abstract: Computer-aided techniques for analyzing biological sequences like nucleic acids are provided. The computer system may analyze hybridization intensities indicating hybridization affinity between nucleic acid probes and a sample nucleic acid sequence in order to call bases in the sample sequence. Multiple base calls may be combined to form a single base call. Additionally, the computer system may analyze hybridization intensities in order to monitor gene expression or the change in gene expression as compared to a baseline.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for obtaining absolute values of concentrations of chromophores of a medium and/or absolute values of their ratios. More particularly, the present invention relates to non-invasive optical systems and methods for determining absolute values of oxygenated and/or deoxygenated hemoglobins and their ratios in a physiological medium. The optical system typically includes (1) a body, (2) a source module supported by the body, optically coupling with the medium, and irradiating into the medium multiple sets of electromagnetic waves with different wave characteristics, (3) a detector module supported by the body, optically coupling with the medium, and detecting such electromagnetic waves, and (4) a processing module operatively coupling with the detector module, and determining the absolute values of the concentrations and the ratios thereof from multiple wave equations applied to the source and detector modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced subscriber unit power control in a point to multipoint communication system are provided. A central access point may send unsolicited grants of transmission time to individual subscriber units. The subscriber units use the granted transmission time to transmit upstream to the central access point for the purpose of having their output power level measured and regulated. By issuing the unsolicited grants sufficiently frequently, the central access point may maintain optimal subscriber unit transmitter power level. The power control features are particularly useful in fading environments such as found in a wireless system, especially when subscriber units do not transmit data upstream sufficiently frequently for power control to be based on measured power of data transmissions.

Abstract: A method for scheduling performance measurements to be collected over a network, each measurement target having an associated measurement interval specifying an approximate time between measurements. The method includes identifying a cost for each target and sorting the targets into a plurality of time periods. Each period has approximately the same total cost of measurement targets. Targets having similar measurement intervals are grouped together within each of the time periods and assigned to a time range within the period. The method further includes sorting the measurement targets within each time range to provide a generally even load balance across the time range. A system for scheduling performance measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for obtaining absolute values of concentrations of chromophores of a medium and/or absolute values of their ratios. In particular, the present invention relates to continuous wave spectroscopic optical systems and methods for determining the absolute values of deoxygenated and/or oxygenated hemoglobins and their ratios in a physiological medium. The optical system typically includes (1) a source module optically coupling with the medium and irradiating into the medium multiple sets of electromagnetic waves with different wave characteristics, (2) a detector module optically coupling with the medium and detecting electromagnetic waves, and (3) a processing module operatively coupling with the detector module, and determining the absolute values of the concentrations and the ratios thereof from multiple wave equations applied to the source and detector modules.

Abstract: A flexible cross-connect with a data plane is presented which allows the establishment of connections between network interfaces at any network interface card to another network interface on any other network interface card. The system can cross-connect connections at an STS-1 and VT 1.5 granularity, and allows the switching and routing of information in a data plane without the use of the cross connect fabric. This permits routing, bridging, and concentration of data services to be performed without burdening of the cross connect. For reliability, a range of protection configurations can be employed including 1:1, 1:5 and mixed 1:N protection. A backplane is used which provides point-to-point traces between each card and the cross connect unit, between each card and a timing, communications and control unit, and between the network interface cards themselves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting differences in sample polymers, such as nucleic acid sequences, are provided. Hybridization affinity information for the sample polymers is clustered so that the differences, if any, between or among the sample polymers can be readily identified. By clustering the hybridization affinity information of the sample polymers, differences in the sample polymers can be accurately achieved even in the presence of random and systematic errors.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing an array of compounds utilizing a high throughput microfluidic system are provided. The system can translate a plurality of multiwell plates through various stations for analysis. Effects to sample compounds can be identified according to deviations in a steady state signal. Also, a user can enter the dwell times for sample compounds and a buffer solution so that the system will alternatingly inject the sample compounds and buffer solution into a microfluidic device according to the specified dwell times.

Abstract: Methods for determining a function of cells, which comprises a suspension of cells flowing along a first fluid channel. The cells have a first detectable property associated therewith, and wherein the cells produce a second detectable property upon activation of the function of the cells, the first and second detectable properties being distinguishable from each other. Levels of the first and second detectable properties are measured. The level of the second detectable property is compared to the level of first detectable property to determine the relative function of the cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing a relational database through an object-oriented querying interface are provided. A class of objects that are to be stored in the relational database are defined. One or more relational database tables are created and a mapping is produced that maps each data member of an object to one or more columns in a relational database table. Additionally, object-oriented paradigms like inheritance may be supported and the allocation of storage for array elements may be deferred until necessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. The system may include a light source operable to transmit light onto the sample, a detector operable to detect intensity of the light emitted from the sample, and a power modulator. The power modulator modulates the light source power such that light is emitted from the light source in more than one mode to reduce changes in the emitted light due to temperature changes in the light source.