Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is capable of interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence signals emitted from a plurality of samples. The apparatus is suitable for analysis of samples containing single cells or tissues up to and including living organisms. It contains an optical assembly or “sandwich” for producing a spectrally pure and spatially dispersed light source for illuminating the sample. The invention also provides a plurality of optical sandwiches that can be variously geometrically arranged and their intensities programmed to create spatially uniform illumination over a large sample. The invention further provides an apparatus having at least one of the optical sandwich and a detector system capable of interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals when a suitable sample is illuminated by the light source of the optical sandwich. Methods for preparing samples and using the sandwiches, arrays and apparatus, are further provided by this invention.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to source content streaming, particularly to transmitting data units scheduled for dropping or non-transmission. This data unit in the buffer scheduled for dropping is instead transmitted by dropping one or more consecutive data units later in the transmission order in the buffer and which meet a lower priority threshold. In some embodiments, the data unit is transmitted with a modified time value, e.g., a modified timestamp and/or an allowable presentation time range value.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to application-layer multicasting, particularly to reduction of join/attachment latency of a node when joining a multicast group, by providing to a joining node a flat peer list and a preferred peer list which contains candidate node entries with recent available bandwidth information.

Abstract: A communication device for use in an ad hoc network is disclosed. The device is adapted to concurrently (a) communicate directly with other network nodes, (b) communicate indirectly with other network nodes via intermediate network nodes, and (c) serve as an intermediate network node with respect to other network nodes indirectly communicating with one another. When implementing unicast communications, the communication device employs a CSMA protocol with which to identify and reserve available communication slots defined in accordance with a TDMA protocol without the use of a beacon signal. When implementing multicast communications, the communication device employs a stochastic re-transmission scheme that ensures widespread dissemination of messages with minimal flooding.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and devices for improving network management in a centralized network, which typically includes a central coordinator (CCO) that manages and schedules activities within the network. The embodiments of the invention provide a manner of selecting a CCO, including a backup CCO, best suited to manage the network based on a set of rules. Furthermore, the embodiments provide a manner of transferring the current CCO functions to a new CCO, e.g., via message exchanges. Moreover, a process of a backup CCO assuming the function of an unavailable CCO is also described.

Abstract: The several embodiments of the present invention include methods of producing a thermoplastic, protein-based, edible molded article and the resulting articles. An exemplary method includes the steps of mixing a protein-based thermoplastic composition of the present invention, heating the composition via an extruder, drying the resulting extrudate and heating the dried extrudate and injecting the heated, previously dried, extrudate into one or more molds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic liquid nutrient dispensing assembly for hydroponically cultivated plants. The assembly includes a reservoir and a liquid nutrient dispenser disposed within the reservoir. The liquid nutrient dispenser includes a substantially coaxial pump body with inner and outer tubes forming a distribution end having a distribution hub and an inlet end having a liquid intake structure. Airflow in an annular duct formed between the walls of the coaxial tubes enters the inner tube through an annular passage and carries liquid nutrient within the inner tube to the distribution hub. Distribution members fluidly connected to the distribution hub direct a flow of liquid nutrients and air to one or more plants.

Abstract: A stereo-view image sequence is coded in an H.264-based sub-sequence coding by coding a first view of the stereo-view image sequence into a base layer of a sub-sequence coding. The second view of the stereo-view image sequence is coded into an enhancement layer of the sub-sequence coding. Accordingly, the sub-sequence coding can be decoded by a baseline-profile-compliant H.264 decoder. In one exemplary embodiment of the decoder, the decoder decodes both the base layer and the enhanced layer of the sub-sequence coding. In another exemplary embodiment, the decoder decodes one of the base layer and the enhanced layer of the sub-sequence coding. Additionally, a Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) payload could be used for each frame to signal the relationship between the current view and the secondary view.

Abstract: A system, processing structure and method for performing vehicle intercept includes target acceleration estimation or blocking via a filter prior to deriving an interceptor acceleration time history via a guidance law. In the processing structure where the unknown target accelerations are blocked from affecting estimates, a guidance law is generated, stored and retrieved accounting for worst case target acceleration. In the processing structure where the target acceleration is presumed constant with a constant bank angle, the guidance law is closed form, exploiting constant heading angular velocity, and thus generated online.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical box extension that includes an extending member for a switch and/or plug mounting having one or more fastening brackets, one or more base fastening brackets and one or more fasteners that together with optional contact points provide for mechanical and electrical connectivity between the extending member and its associated electrical box and provide sufficient mechanical resistance to support the adjustable elevation of the elevating member thereby supporting a flush surface for surface mounted sockets, switches and their associated plates.