Abstract: A non-repudiable transaction protocol system includes a memory, at least one processor in communication with the memory, an operating system executing on the at least one processor, a resource manager configured to manage a storage system, and a transaction manager. The transaction manager is configured to provide NRO-W evidence of a work request from a client to the resource manager and provide NRR-W evidence to the client that the resource manager has completed initial work for the work request. Additionally, the transaction manager is configured to provide NRO-C evidence to the resource manager that the client requested completion of the initial work and NRR-C evidence to the client that the resource manager promised to execute the completion. Each of the NRO-W evidence, the NRR-W evidence, the NRO-C evidence, and the NRR-C evidence are exchanged to prevent either one of the client and the resource manager from gaining an advantage.

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system includes receiving from a publishing entity a message and a first piece of evidence that the message was sent by the publishing entity, time-stamping the first piece of evidence, storing the time-stamped first piece of evidence, sending the message to a first subscribing entity, receiving from the first subscribing entity a second piece of evidence that the message was received by the first subscribing entity, time-stamping the second piece of evidence, and storing the time-stamped second piece of evidence.

Abstract: A non-repudiable transaction protocol system includes a memory, at least one processor in communication with the memory, an operating system executing on the at least one processor, a resource manager configured to manage a storage system, and a transaction manager. The transaction manager is configured to provide NRO-W evidence of a work request from a client to the resource manager and provide NRR-W evidence to the client that the resource manager has completed initial work for the work request. Additionally, the transaction manager is configured to provide NRO-C evidence to the resource manager that the client requested completion of the initial work and NRR-C evidence to the client that the resource manager promised to execute the completion. Each of the NRO-W evidence, the NRR-W evidence, the NRO-C evidence, and the NRR-C evidence are exchanged to prevent either one of the client and the resource manager from gaining an advantage.

Abstract: An image flow cytometer for observing a microparticulate sample includes a flow chamber having a flow channel that permits the microparticulate sample to travel in a flow direction. An irradiation system scans an irradiation spot across a sensing area of the flow channel in a scan direction different from the flow direction. A detection system detects resultant light from the sensing area and provides a detection signal. An alignment system alters a location of the sensing area with respect to the flow chamber. A control unit causes the irradiation system to scan the irradiation spot during a first measurement interval and operates the alignment system to translate the location of the sensing area along the flow direction. The flow chamber can be mounted to a movable stage in some examples, and the alignment system can move the flow chamber substantially opposite the flow direction using the stage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in connecting and disconnecting cable connectors to and from communication ports. In some embodiments, a connector assembly has a ganging member, a plunger member, and a key. The ganging member can retain a plurality of cable connectors, and be used to simultaneously connect/disconnect groups of cable connectors. The plunger member can have a plurality of elongated plungers usable to simultaneously unlock or lock the cable connectors.

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system includes receiving from a publishing entity a message and a first piece of evidence that the message was sent by the publishing entity, time-stamping the first piece of evidence, storing the time-stamped first piece of evidence, sending the message to a first subscribing entity, receiving from the first subscribing entity a second piece of evidence that the message was received by the first subscribing entity, time-stamping the second piece of evidence, and storing the time-stamped second piece of evidence.

Abstract: An example assembly includes a target holder that retains a target in a detection region. Areflective surface reflects at least part of a focused spot of light to provide resultant light. An irradiation system irradiates at least part of the detection region with the focused spot of light. A motion system causes motion of the focused spot of light relative to the reflective surface. A detection system detects the resultant light. An example device, e.g., a lab-on-chip, includes a substrate, a sample inlet, and a reflective grating. The grating is retains a fluidic sample in a detection region fluidically connected to the sample inlet. The detection region is operatively arranged with respect to the reflective grating so that at least a portion of light passing through the detection region towards the reflective grating also passes through the detection region after reflecting off the reflective grating.

Abstract: A computer method for correlating depictions of colonies of microorganisms includes receiving an image of a substrate associated with a first time and showing a colony of microorganisms. A second image of the same substrate and associated with a second time shows a candidate colony of microorganisms. A region of the second image that shows the candidate colony of microorganisms is located. The first region of the first image is compared to the second region of the second image. Based on the comparison of the images, the candidate colony of microorganism is determined to be the same colony as the first colony of microorganisms. Systems for moving substrates having colonies of microorganisms and maintaining orientation of the substrates before and after movement are also described.

Abstract: An example assembly includes a target holder that retains a target in a detection region. A reflective surface reflects at least part of a focused spot of light to provide resultant light. An irradiation system irradiates at least part of the detection region with the focused spot of light. A motion system causes motion of the focused spot of light relative to the reflective surface. A detection system detects the resultant light. An example device, e.g., a lab-on-chip, includes a substrate, a sample inlet, and a reflective grating. The grating is retains a fluidic sample in a detection region fluidically connected to the sample inlet. The detection region is operatively arranged with respect to the reflective grating so that at least a portion of light passing through the detection region towards the reflective grating also passes through the detection region after reflecting off the reflective grating.

Abstract: A density meter for measuring the density of a fluid, having a base plate, wherein a spring element is clamped to the base plate; a torpedo, wherein the torpedo comprises a known weight, and wherein the torpedo is attached or coupled to the spring element; and a sensor, wherein the sensor measures a deflection of the spring element, as the torpedo displaces a volume of fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enlisting single phase commit resources in a two phase commit transaction. An exemplary method includes accessing a global transaction having a plurality of processes requiring single phase commit (1PC) resource and a two phase commit (2PC) resource, initializing a 1PC resource manager for the 1PC resource with a first process of the plurality of processes, wherein the first process requires the 1PC resource, preparing a 2PC resource manager for the 2PC resource with a second process of the plurality of processes, wherein the second process requires the 2PC resource, generating a unique identifier for the 1PC resource, transmitting the unique identifier to the 1PC resource manager, and instructing the 1PC resource manager to commit the first process to the 1PC resource, wherein committing the first process to the 1PC resource comprises recording the unique identifier to the 1PC resource.

Abstract: An image flow cytometer for observing a microparticulate sample includes a flow chamber having a flow channel that permits the microparticulate sample to travel in a flow direction. An irradiation system scans an irradiation spot across a sensing area of the flow channel in a scan direction different from the flow direction. A detection system detects resultant light from the sensing area and provides a detection signal. An alignment system alters a location of the sensing area with respect to the flow chamber. A control unit causes the irradiation system to scan the irradiation spot during a first measurement interval and operates the alignment system to translate the location of the sensing area along the flow direction. The flow chamber can be mounted to a movable stage in some examples, and the alignment system can move the flow chamber substantially opposite the flow direction using the stage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system including a handheld implement having a handle and a head. The system also includes a base having a basin, a pump, and a product container. The basin includes vertical walls forming mouth opening to an inner cavity that receives the head of the handheld implement. The product container includes a reservoir of product. The pump conveys the product from the reservoir to the inner cavity via at least one through-hole in the basin.

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system includes receiving from a publishing entity a message and a first piece of evidence that the message was sent by the publishing entity, time-stamping the first piece of evidence, storing the time-stamped first piece of evidence, sending the message to a first subscribing entity, receiving from the first subscribing entity a second piece of evidence that the message was received by the first subscribing entity, time-stamping the second piece of evidence, and storing the time-stamped second piece of evidence.

Abstract: A system for the characterization of a colony of microorganisms includes a coherent light source configured to provide coherent light of one or more wavelengths along a common optical path. A holder is configured to operationally arrange a substrate so that the colony of microorganisms on a surface of the substrate is positioned to receive the coherent light. Scattered light is generated from the colony of microorganisms receiving coherent light. A first image capture device is configured to receive the scattered light and generate a scatter image from the microorganism colony irradiated by the coherent light. The system also includes a magnifying lens configured to magnify the colony of microorganisms. A second image capture device is configured to capture a light image of the colony of microorganisms magnified by the magnifying lens. Methods of assigning organisms to categories with like organisms without necessarily identifying the organisms are also described.

Abstract: An example assembly includes a target holder that retains a target in a detection region. A reflective surface reflects at least part of a focused spot of light to provide resultant light. An irradiation system irradiates at least part of the detection region with the focused spot of light. A motion system causes motion of the focused spot of light relative to the reflective surface. A detection system detects the resultant light. An example device, e.g., a lab-on-chip, includes a substrate, a sample inlet, and a reflective grating. The grating is retains a fluidic sample in a detection region fluidically connected to the sample inlet. The detection region is operatively arranged with respect to the reflective grating so that at least a portion of light passing through the detection region towards the reflective grating also passes through the detection region after reflecting off the reflective grating.

Abstract: A dispenser including a housing and a scoop. The housing may have a plurality of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. An opening may be formed in at least one of the side walls. The scoop may include a handle and a bowl portion. The bowl portion may be configured to be inserted into an interior volume of the housing through the opening in the housing and to be removed from the interior volume of the housing through the opening in the housing.

Abstract: According to various aspects, a flow system for transporting microparticulate samples in a hydrodynamically planar flow in a selected flow direction includes a flow chamber extending in the flow direction, having first and second apertures on opposed surfaces of the flow chamber. A sheath-fluid channel has first and second branches to carry the sheath fluid into the flow chamber through the first aperture and having orientations separated by less than about 15° at the first aperture; and third and fourth branches to carry the sheath fluid through the second aperture and having orientations separated by less than about 15° at the second aperture. In some examples, guide channels extend from the apertures substantially perpendicular to the flow chamber at the apertures, and sheath-fluid channel supply sheath fluid to the guide channels. Flow systems can be used in image flow cytometers for observing microparticulate samples, e.g., using scanning irradiation.

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system includes receiving from a publishing entity a message and a first piece of evidence that the message was sent by the publishing entity, time-stamping the first piece of evidence, storing the time-stamped first piece of evidence, sending the message to a first subscribing entity, receiving from the first subscribing entity a second piece of evidence that the message was received by the first subscribing entity, time-stamping the second piece of evidence, and storing the time-stamped second piece of evidence.

Abstract: A flocculation system is provided including a vessel having an open top. The flocculation system also includes a sidewall comprised of a water-impermeable material. The flocculation system further includes a first bottom comprising the water-impermeable material. The flocculation system further includes a second bottom having a floc filter that passes flocs and prevents the passage of a cleaning tool. The flocculation system further includes a floc trap below the second bottom. The floc trap includes a space defined by the sidewall, the first bottom, and the floc filter. In some implementations, the flocculation system includes a flocculant disposed on the sidewall, the floc filter, or the first bottom.