Abstract: A method for characterizing an interaction between a first particle and a second particle is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing an optical trap system including a photonics-based trap, a light source, and a camera; (ii) optically trapping, using the photonics-based trap, the first particle; (iii) obtaining a first measurement of a trap stiffness of the photonics-based trap; (iv) introducing the second particle to the optically trapped particle; (v) incubating the first and second particles under conditions suitable for an interaction between the first and second particles; (vi) obtaining a second measurement of the trap stiffness of the photonics-based trap after the incubation; and (vii) determining, using the first measurement of trap stiffness and the second measurement of trap stiffness, a property of the interaction between the first particle and the second particle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high resolution intravascular ultrasound imaging system including a catheter with a rotatable imaging assembly and an image processor. The image processor in turn features a pulser configured to energize the ultrasound transducer of the rotatable imaging assembly with a multi-frequency ultrasound waveform signal. The image processor further contains a receiver configured to decompose received ultrasound energy as reflected by the target vessel into a plurality of individual subband signals, individually process these signals and reconstitute these signals into a high resolution image of the blood vessel. The IVUS system of the invention may be useful in characterizing cap thickness of vulnerable plaques or other detailed studies of blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a competitive diagnostic assay strip for detection of a target molecule in a sample. The strip includes an elongated substrate extending between a first end at which the sample is applied to the strip and a second end at which results of the assay can be assessed. A first layer is supported on the substrate for receiving, absorbing, and filtering a liquid sample. A second layer is supported on the substrate, wherein the second layer comprising a mobile labelled specific binding partner of a target molecule. A third layer is supported on the substrate, the third layer comprising a test region and a control region separated from the test region. The test region has immobilized target molecules. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of conducting a diagnostic assay. The method includes providing a competitive diagnostic assay strip in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device, a microfluidic system, and methods for tracking single cells, multiple cells, single cell lineages, and multiple cell lineages in series and/or in parallel. The microfluidic device comprises a substrate having one microfluidic channel formed therein or a plurality of microfluidic channels formed therein and arranged in parallel. The microfluidic system comprises: a microfluidic device according to the present invention; a cell loading reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet end of each microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device; and an outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet end of each microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device. The present invention also relates to a high throughput microfluidic system and a kit for tracking single cells and/or single cell lineages.

Abstract: A method, system, and recording medium including a drone and pattern recruiting device configured to recruit a plurality of drones based on a mission, a flocking goal device configured to arrange the plurality of drones in the drone-swarm in a pattern to satisfy the mission, and a changing device configured to adaptively change the pattern of the drone-swarm based on a condition of the mission indicating a needed change and to cause the drone and pattern recruiting device to recruit an additional drone for the needed change.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that facilitate fast switching of synchronized media using time-stamp management. A first media stream and multiple second media streams are obtained. The second media stream is time synchronized to the first media stream. The first media stream and one of the second media streams are decoded. Time-stamp management without decoding is performed for another one of the second media streams to facilitate fast switching to the other one of the second media streams when desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high resolution intravascular ultrasound imaging system including a catheter with a rotatable imaging assembly and an image processor. The image processor in turn features a pulser configured to energize the ultrasound transducer of the rotatable imaging assembly with a multi-frequency ultrasound waveform signal. The image processor further contains a receiver configured to decompose received ultrasound energy as reflected by the target vessel into a plurality of individual subband signals, individually process these signals and reconstitute these signals into a high resolution image of the blood vessel. The IVUS system of the invention may be useful in characterizing cap thickness of vulnerable plaques or other detailed studies of blood vessels.

Abstract: Coffee or other drink, for example a caffeine containing drink, is delivered to individuals that would like the drink, or who have a predetermined cognitive state, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone. The drink is connected to the UAV, and the UAV flies to an area including people, and uses sensors to scan the people for an individual who has gestured that they would like the drink, or for whom an electronic analysis of sensor data indicates to be in a predetermined cognitive state. The UAV then flies to the individual to deliver the drink. The analysis can include profile data of people, including electronic calendar data, which can be used to determine a potentially predetermined cognitive state.

Abstract: A method is described that includes generating, by a controller of a storage device, operating statistics associated with an operating state of the storage device. The method includes receiving, by the controller and from a host device, a non-interrupt command frame that requests transfer of data blocks between the storage device and the host device. The method further includes, in response to receiving the non-interrupt command frame, generating, by the controller, a response frame associated with the non-interrupt command frame, wherein the response frame includes the operating statistics. The method includes transmitting, by the controller and to the host device, the response frame.

Abstract: A video stream demultiplxer receives video streams comprising a selected current content channel and one or more adjacent content channels. Time stamp management is concurrently performed on the adjacent content channels while decoding the selected current content channel. Timing information such as Decoding Time Stamp (DTS) and Presentation Time Stamp (PTS) values, and/or random access points (RAPs) may be determined for pictures stored for the selected current content channel and the adjacent content channels. The determined timing information is utilized to determine a Program Clock Reference (PCR) value for each of the selected current channel and the adjacent channels for channel monitoring. A timebase, derived from a PCR rate that is determined based on the determined PCR value, is determined for decoding the selected current content channel. An adjacent content channel, which is primed during decoding of the selected current content channel, may be directly decoded for display if selected.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a target in a sample including a first port configured to receive a multi-layered substrate having a sample inlet and a reagent inlet. The sample inlet is connected to a first microfluidic channel and the reagent inlet is connected to both the first microfluidic channel and a second microfluidic channel. The second microfluidic channel has a longer pathway than the first microfluidic channel. A first test strip and a second test strip are each connected to both the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel, while a third test strip is connected only to the first microfluidic channel. Each test strip includes a conjugate section, a detection section, and a collection section.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for intelligent device initiated SAS Phy PM. Using device internal phy characteristics and future phy usage queue, the device determines optimal SAS Phy PM usage based on a predetermined configuration preference of power versus performance. The device achieves optimal SAS Phy PM Usage by implementing a state machine to manage phy PM states and transitions between the PM states. The device state machine includes capabilities to proactively initiate transitions to partial or slumber PM states, start early wake-up from partial or slumber PM states to mask the associated latency impacts of exiting partial or slumber PM states, and selectively reject host requests to enter a partial or slumber PM state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods, techniques, and systems to compute relevant and useful information that may be presented to users in an understandable, intuitive, and actionable platform. The interactive platform includes a format and visualization that is capable of presenting data for a wide range of protocols and topologies at various functional layers of the network. The interactive platform provides selectable categories of filters which update the network data and views displayed to the users to aid in the analysis and investigation of potential root causes of problems, rather than merely presenting examples of symptoms. The interactive platform includes a method and visualization that is capable of presenting differences in network behavior at various functional layers of the network.

Abstract: A method is described that includes generating, by a controller of a storage device, operating statistics associated with an operating state of the storage device. The method includes receiving, by the controller and from a host device, a non-interrupt command frame that requests transfer of data blocks between the storage device and the host device. The method further includes, in response to receiving the non-interrupt command frame, generating, by the controller, a response frame associated with the non-interrupt command frame, wherein the response frame includes the operating statistics. The method includes transmitting, by the controller and to the host device, the response frame.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to network hardware, network software and methods for network management and testing. In some embodiments, state information (e.g., configuration data, forwarding states, IP tables, rules, network topology information, etc.) can be received from devices in a network. The state information can be parsed and used to generate a network model, which describes how data is processed by the network. Using the model, possible flow paths of data through the network can be identified and used to analyze the network and identify network behavior, such as types of traffic, frequency of rule matches, what kind of transformation occurs as traffic flows through the network, and where the traffic gets dropped, etc. Policies can be verified against the network model to ensure compliance, and in the event of non-compliance, a report or interface can indicate the cause and/or allow a user to explore specific details about the cause.

Abstract: A system for calibrating sensors in a wafer is provided. The system includes a container for containing liquid and configured to accommodate the wafer in the liquid; a temperature controller for controlling a temperature of the liquid; and an electrical connection mechanism for receiving electrical signals to the sensors when the temperature of the liquid reaches a preset level during operation. The system also includes a device that receives the signals from the sensors and calibrates the sensors based on the temperature of the liquid and the received signals from the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds of Formula I wherein the variables in Formula I are defined as described herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using the compounds of Formula I in the prevention or treatment of HCV infection.

Abstract: Ameliorative actions are taken using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with sensors and equipment for dispensing foam to form foam splints to immobilize a patient's limb. Operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle is controlled at a remote site or alternatively at the location of an injury. Injury assessment and the patient's affective and/or cognitive state may be facilitated through the analysis of data obtained by the sensors.

Abstract: A first performance measure is determined of an existing data session between a mobile gateway and a cloud gateway via a first wireless carrier. Second performance measures of others of the wireless carriers are determined during the existing data session. Based on the first performance measure and the second performance measures, the existing data session is continued with the cloud gateway via a second of the wireless carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for solar-thermal microfluidic polymerase chain reaction. A device comprises a microfluidic chip including at least one PCR region, an energy absorption layer disposed adjacent to the microfluidic chip, a solar energy concentrator adapted to produce a plurality of temperature profiles on the microfluidic chip adapted to facilitate PCR, and a photomask disposed between the solar energy concentrator and the microfluidic chip.