Abstract: A method for detecting presence of a macromolecule of interest in a test droplet. A set of detection electrodes are provided in contact with a fluidic channel. The test droplet is provided in vicinity of the detection electrodes through the fluidic channel. An alternate current (AC) power at a first frequency is applied across the set of detection electrodes. A first measurement value that reflects electrical characteristics (e.g., impedance) of the test droplet at the first frequency is obtained. This value is compared with a corresponding reference value, wherein the corresponding reference value is obtained by measuring a reference droplet containing the macromolecule of interest or free of the macromolecule at the first frequency. The presence of the macromolecule in the test droplet is thus determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for detecting presence of nucleic acid amplification in a test droplet. A set of detection electrodes are provided in contact with a fluidic channel. The test droplet is provided in vicinity of the detection electrodes through the fluidic channel. An alternate current (AC) power at a first frequency is applied across the set of detection electrodes. A first measurement value that reflects electrical impedance of the test droplet at the first frequency is obtained. This value is compared with a corresponding reference value, wherein the corresponding reference value is obtained by measuring a reference droplet containing known amplified nucleic acid or known unamplified nucleic acid at the first frequency. The presence of amplified nucleic acid in the test droplet is thus determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: Aspects of a battery management converter system are described. In one embodiment, a battery management converter system includes an arrangement of a plurality of battery converter cells, where each battery converter cell includes one or more battery cells and a switching power converter. The system further includes a battery converter cell controller for each of the plurality of battery converter cells, and a battery management converter controller that receives battery status information from each battery converter cell controller and provides control references to distribute charging or discharging power among the plurality of battery converter cells.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes apparatus for monitoring hand or wrist movement, the apparatus including a magnetic ring adapted to be worn on a finger of a patient and a data acquisition unit adapted to be worn on a wrist of the patient, the data acquisition unit including a magnetic sensor that can measure the strength and orientation of magnetic fields generated by the ring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus for exercising an arm includes a lever adapted to attach to a wheel of a wheelchair, a forearm support pivotally mounted to the lever that is adapted to support a forearm of a wheelchair user during exercise, and a resilient member attached to the lever that is adapted to resist movement of the lever by the user.

Abstract: Devices based on spinodally decomposed periodic structures and their fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A system allowing a user of a browser program on a computer connected to an open distributed hypermedia system to access and execute an embedded program object. The program object is embedded into a hypermedia document much like data objects. The user may select the program object from the screen. Once selected the program object executes on the user's (client) computer or may execute on a remote server or additional remote computers in a distributed processing arrangement. After launching the program object, the user is able to interact with the object as the invention provides for ongoing interprocess communication between the application object (program) and the browser program. One application of the embedded program object allows a user to view large and complex multi-dimensional objects from within the browser's window. The user can manipulate a control panel to change the viewpoint used to view the image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting growth of new blood vessels, i.e., angiogenesis, by coadministration of an adenosine receptor agonist, e.g., adenosine, and heparin over a period of several days. In particular, this invention is applicable to promoting angiogenesis to improve collateral coronary circulation in patients suffering from myocardial infarction.