Abstract: A method and computer program product for providing a random linear coding approach to distributed data storage is presented. A file is broken into a plurality of pieces. For every peer (peer means storage-location with limited storage space), the number of coded-pieces the peer can store is determined. Each of the coded-piece is determined by taking random linear combination of all the pieces of the entire file. The associate code-vector is stored for every coded-piece. The file is retrieved by collecting code-vectors and the coded-pieces from the peers and viewing the collected code-vectors as a matrix. When a dimension of the matrix is equal to the number of pieces of the file, the file is recovered using the collection of code vectors in the matrix.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reconstitution and delivery of an injectable pharmaceutical. A diluent is provided in a pressurized reservoir, while separately a syringe with a needle contains a pharmaceutical such as a lyophilized drug. When the pressurized reservoir is coupled to the interior of the syringe, such as by piercing the pressurized reservoir with the needle, the pressurized reservoir forces the diluent into the syringe where the diluent can mix with and reconstitute the pharmaceutical. A variety of techniques are disclosed for pressurizing the reservoir and fluidly coupling the reservoir with the syringe. The techniques disclosed herein may, for example, be adapted for use with a conventional syringe and needle.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring a series of medical images includes receiving medical imaging data corresponding to photons emitted from a subject having received a dose of a radiotracer. Determining, from the medical imaging data, coincidence events including photon coincidence events involving two photons and photon coincidence events involving more than two photons. The photon coincidence events involving two photons and photon coincidence events involving more than two photons are processed and use to reconstruct a series of medical images of the subject.

Abstract: A system and techniques for decoding a message received over a communication channel comprises a receiver for receiving an encoded message. A sorting module is configured to organize candidate messages into a number of bins, sort the candidate messages within each bin, and output a group of candidate messages, the group comprising a number of most likely candidate messages from each message bin. A traceback module is configured to receive the most likely candidate message, and to walk through the tree of candidate messages to generate a decoded message.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electrode materials, electrochemical cells employing such materials, and methods of synthesizing such materials. The electrode materials have a crystal structure with a high ratio of Li to metal M, which is found to improve capacity by enabling the transfer of a greater amount of lithium per metal, and which is also found to improve stability by retaining a sufficient amount of lithium after charging. Furthermore, synthesis techniques are presented which result in improved charge and discharge capacities and reduced particle sizes of the electrode materials.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for -based, delay-efficient data transmission for broadcasting a single file is presented. A file (f) comprised of K packets to be broadcast to a plurality of receivers is determined. A plurality of packets (Pk) of the file are selected for transmission during a timeslot (t). Next, a linear combination of the selected packets (P[t]) are produced, the linear combination of packets are selected at random within the file. The linear combination of selected packets is then transmitted to a plurality of receivers over unreliable channels.

Abstract: A double parallelogram linear flexural system and method includes a first stage extending in a direction of movement, and a pair of parallelogram flexures extending from the first stage to distal ends configured for being grounded. A second stage extends parallel to the first stage, with another pair of parallelogram flexures extending between the stages, wherein the stages and parallelogram flexures form a double parallelogram. A linkage is disposed between, and resiliently coupled to, the stages. Linkage guiding flexures extend divergently from the linkage, to distal end portions configured for being grounded. The linkage guiding flexures define a notional triangle having a base extending between the distal end portions, and sides extending through proximal end portions to a notional apex defining a center of rotation for the linkage. The linkage is entirely within the double parallelogram, while constraining the stages to oscillate at the same frequency and phase.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions, methods, and systems comprising polymers that are fluorous-soluble and/or organize at interfaces between a fluorous phase and a non-fluorous phase. In some embodiments, emulsions or films are provided comprising a polymer. The polymers, emulsions, and films can be used in many applications, including for determining, treating, and/or imaging a condition and/or disease in a subject. The polymer may also be incorporated into various optoelectronic device such as photovoltaic cells, organic light-emitting diodes, organic field effect transistors, or the like. In some embodiments, the polymers comprise pi-conjugated backbones, and in some cases, are highly emissive.

Abstract: Techniques for performing finite memory network coding in an arbitrary network limit an amount of memory that is provided within a node of the network for the performance of network coding operations during data relay operations. When a new data packet is received by a node, the data stored within the limited amount of memory may be updated by linearly combining the new packet with the stored data. In some implementations, different storage buffers may be provided within a node for the performance of network coding operations and decoding operations.

Abstract: Digital focal plane arrays (DFPAs) with multiple counters per unit cell can be used to convert analog signals to digital data and to filter the digital data. Exemplary DFPAs include two-dimensional arrays of unit cells, where each unit cell is coupled to a corresponding photodetector in a photodetector array. Each unit cell converts photocurrent from its photodetector to a digital pulse train that is coupled to multiple counters in the unit cell. Each counter in each unit cell can be independently controlled to filter the pulse train by counting up or down and/or by transferring data as desired. For example, a unit cell may perform in-phase/quadrature filtering of homodyne- or heterodyne-detected photocurrent with two counters: a first counter toggled between increment and decrement modes with an in-phase signal and a second counter toggled between increment and decrement modes with a quadrature signal.

Abstract: In illustrative implementations of this invention, a photoplethysmographic device measures variations of light that is reflected from, or transmitted through, human skin. In some implementations, the device includes a camera that takes the measurements remotely. In others, the device touches the skin during the measurements. The device includes a camera or other light sensor, which includes at least orange, green and cyan color channels. In some cases, such as a contact device, the device includes three or more colors of active light sources, including at least orange, green and cyan light sources. A computer analyzes the sensor data, in order to estimate a cardiac blood volume pulse wave. For each cardiac pulse, a computer detects the systolic peak and diastolic inflection of the wave, by calculating a second derivative of the wave. From the estimated wave, a computer estimates heart rate, heart rate variability and respiration rate.

Abstract: Pressure control in fluidic systems is generally described. New trends in chemical synthesis involve the use of continuous reaction schemes, for example, in microfluidic and/or millifluidic devices. In many of these processes, it is often helpful to maintain controlled separation between two liquid phases and/or between a liquid phase and a gas phase. For example, in many processes, liquid-liquid and/or a gas-liquid separations are performed (e.g.

Abstract: The structure of materials can be characterized (e.g., via CD-SAXS) by generating a burst of electron bunches in a pulse train and accelerating the electron bunches to relativistic energies. Meanwhile, an optical cavity is filled with a laser pulse; and the electron bunches collide with the laser pulse in the optical cavity, permitting a single laser pulse to interact with the electron bunch train to generate x-rays via inverse Compton scattering. The generated x-rays are then directed to a sample, and the sample is imaged by measuring the scattering of the x-rays from the sample.

Abstract: Articles and methods for the active transport of molecules into, within, and/or from a matrix are generally described. In some embodiments, an electric field may be used to alter the position of the molecule with respect to the matrix. The electric field may be used to move the molecule to a new location within the matrix, remove the molecule from the matrix, or infuse the molecule into the matrix. For instance, the electric field may be used to move a molecule having a binding partner within the matrix into or away from the vicinity of the binding partner. In some embodiments, the position of the molecule may be altered by exposing the molecule to an electrodynamic field. In some such embodiments, the molecule exposed to the dynamic electric field may have enhanced mobility and minimal adverse matrix interactions relative to conventional molecular transport methods, and in some cases, a molecule exposed to an electrostatic field.

Abstract: Devices and methods integrate nanopore and microfluidic technologies for recording molecular characteristics of individual molecules such as, for example, biomolecules. Devices comprise a first substrate comprising a microchannel, a second substrate comprising a microchannel, the second substrate positioned below the first substrate, and a membrane having a thickness of about 0.3 nm to about 1 nm and comprising at least one nanopore, the membrane positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a single nanopore of the membrane is constructed and arranged for electrical and fluid communication between the microchannel of the first substrate and the microchannel of the second substrate. To mitigate the effect of errors that occur during de novo DNA synthesis, longer DNA molecules are typically synthesized from shorter oligonucleotides by polymerase construction and amplification (PCA), or by other methods.

Abstract: Composite material. The material included a matrix of a deformable material having a first stiffness and particles having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness are embedded near a surface of the matrix wherein a deformation of the matrix induces a change in topography of the surface. The particles may be stiffer or softer than the matrix material.

Abstract: A method for transportation of material includes operating a material transportation vehicle according to a material transportation plan. The plan includes a representation of one or more regions within a geographical area, each of the regions being associated with a group of one or more communication stations and a representation of a route of travel within the geographical area. The route of travel traverses a first region of the one or more regions within the geographical area. The operating includes causing the vehicle to travel along the route of travel including causing the vehicle to enter the first region, accepting control information originating from a first communication station of the communication stations associated with the first region, the first communication station being authorized to control a material transportation resource of the vehicle in the first region, and causing an exchange of the material according to the accepted control information.

Abstract: Stamp for microcontact printing. The stamp includes a bulk portion having first and second surfaces, the first surface including a pattern of features to be transferred and the second surface including a different pattern of features. The features on the second surface have a lower stiffness than the features on the first surface. The dual-face stamp design of the invention provides an alternative location for dimensional errors to be absorbed, making microcontact printing a more robust production process.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for a motion capture system and a three-dimensional (3D) tracking system used to record body position and/or movements/motions and using the data to measure skin strain (a strain field) all along the body while a joint is in motion (dynamic) as well as in a fixed position (static). The data and technique can be used to quantify strains, calculate 3D contours, and derive patterns believed to reveal skin's properties during natural motions.

Abstract: A cell for high temperature electrochemical reactions is provided. The cell includes a container, at least a portion of the container acting as a first electrode. An extension tube has a first end and a second end, the extension tube coupled to the container at the second end forming a conduit from the container to said first end. A second electrode is positioned in the container and extends out of the container via the conduit. A seal is positioned proximate the first end of the extension tube, for sealing the cell.