Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial cell system comprising at least one droplet-interface bilayer (DIB) encased within a shell; a suspension comprising same; and a method and a device for the manufacture of same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial cell system comprising at least one droplet-interface bilayer (DIB) encased within a shell; a suspension comprising same; and a method and a device for the manufacture of same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel multiwell array comprising a plurality of wells, the majority of which have a unique cross-sectional shape whereby each well within the array can be identified and so tracked whilst the contents of the array are investigated. The invention also concerns a computer and a programmable data storage device for use with the array and an imaging apparatus including any one or more of the afore features or aspects.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize preference shields as data filters are provided herein. Exemplary methods may include receiving a query from a first user, selecting a preference shield for the first user from a database that includes preference shields, applying the preference shield to query responses obtained for the query, and returning a response to the first user that includes filtered query responses that have been obtained by application of the preference shield to the query responses.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for brokering preference shields are described herein. An exemplary method may include executing instructions by a processor to receive a request to obtain a preference shield zone from a computing system, the preference shield zone being created by an author, select a preference shield zone from a database of preference shield zones that corresponds to the request, incorporate the preference shield zone into a main preference shield of the consumer, and authorize payment to an author of the preference shield zone.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a DMA controller for performing conventional DMA transfers and for backing-up and restoring data during low power events. The integrated circuit includes one or more processor components, one or more peripheral components, a power management circuit and the DMA controller. The power management circuit manages power control within the integrated circuit. The DMA controller includes a DMA engine for executing DMA transfers between different ones of the components and memory based on configuration parameters provided to the DMA engine. A detection circuit configured determines if the power management circuit initiates a power state change. The DMA controller also has circuitry for providing a first set of configuration parameters to the DMA engine if no change in power state is detected and overriding the first set of configuration parameters with a second set of configuration parameters if a change in power state is detected.

Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: A microfluidic substrate assembly includes a substrate body having at least one fluid inlet port. At least one microscale fluid flow channel in the substrate is in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of a fluid to be tested. The substrate body also has a plurality of sockets, with each of one or sockets configured to receive an operative component. At least one socket is in communication with the microscale fluid flow channel.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a DMA controller for performing conventional DMA transfers and for backing-up and restoring data during low power events. The integrated circuit includes one or more processor components, one or more peripheral components, a power management circuit and the DMA controller. The power management circuit manages power control within the integrated circuit. The DMA controller includes a DMA engine for executing DMA transfers between different ones of the components and memory based on configuration parameters provided to the DMA engine. A detection circuit configured determines if the power management circuit initiates a power state change. The DMA controller also has circuitry for providing a first set of configuration parameters to the DMA engine if no change in power state is detected and overriding the first set of configuration parameters with a second set of configuration parameters if a change in power state is detected.

Abstract: A microfluidic substrate assembly includes a substrate body having at least one fluid inlet port. At least one microscale fluid flow channel in the substrate is in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of a fluid to be tested. The substrate body also has a plurality of sockets, with each of one or sockets configured to receive an operative component. At least one socket is in communication with the microscale fluid flow channel.

Abstract: PPP frame encapsulation of IP frames—including FCS calculation, character escaping, and HDLC flag insertion—is performed by hardware acceleration circuits within a DMA module as part of a DMA transfer autonomously of a processor. Software may preprocess the IP packets prior to the hardware-accelerated processing. The hardware acceleration in the DMA module may additionally decapsulate PPP frames—including FCS calculation and comparison for error detection, escaped character recovery, and frame boundary detection—to assist in the formation of IP packets. The hardware-accelerated PPP framing may be particularly useful when a mobile terminal provides internet access, through a wireless communication network over packet data channels, to an attached peripheral device, such as a computer.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.

Abstract: A novel microfluidic substrate assembly and method for making same are disclosed. The substrate assembly comprises a multi-layer laminated substrate defining at least one fluid inlet port and at least one microscale fluid flow channel within the multi-layer substrate in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of fluid. The substrate assembly may optionally comprise additional components and elements located within the substrate assembly or attached to the substrate assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer-implemented method of calculating estimates of a joint posterior probability of class membership given combinations of attribute values of a pair of attributes are disclosed. The calculating is performed on the basis of data representing a training set of a plurality of instances defined by attribute values for a plurality of attributes together with a class membership outcome. Embodiments of the method comprise calculating first and second estimates of a posterior probability of class membership given attribute values of a first and second attribute of the pair, respectively, and binning the first and second estimates into a respective plurality of first and second probability range bins. Instances of the training set are mapped to combinations of one of each of the first and second pluralities of probability range bins, and on the basis of the mapping, calculating estimates of a joint posterior probability of class membership.

Abstract: A lead free, thick film heating element. Known thick film heating elements contain environmentally hazardous material such as lead. This is particularly problematic when manufacturing thick film heating elements, as lead is often used in thick film formulations to allow the glass-based thick film to be processed at low firing temperatures. Using composite sol gel technology, the present invention provides a method to produce a lightweight mica-based thick film heating element based on thick film materials that are free from lead or cadmium. This mica-based element is lightweight, has the performance advantages of a thick film heating element, and may be processed at a low temperature using thick film materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer-implemented method of calculating estimates of a joint posterior probability of class membership given combinations of attribute values of a pair of attributes are disclosed. The calculating is performed on the basis of data representing a training set of a plurality of instances defined by attribute values for a plurality of attributes together with a class membership outcome. Embodiments of the method comprise calculating first and second estimates of a posterior probability of class membership given attribute values of a first and second attribute of the pair, respectively, and binning the first and second estimates into a respective plurality of first and second probability range bins. Instances of the training set are mapped to combinations of one of each of the first and second pluralities of probability range bins, and on the basis of the mapping, calculating estimates of a joint posterior probability of class membership.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises first and second inlet passages (13) for respective immiscible fluids, these inlet passages merging into a third passage (8) along which the two fluids flow under parallel laminar flow conditions, the third passage being formed with a constriction or other discontinuity (9) causing the two fluids to form into a flow of alternate segments.

Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: Memory interface for multi-CPU system provides predefined time slots in which each CPU may access an external memory. The time slot assigned to each CPU may be defined according to the expected memory requirements of the CPU. In this way, each CPU is guaranteed to have a certain amount of dedicated bandwidth to the external memory. The predefined time slots also allow the latency of the system to be known, which is useful for real-time oriented applications. Moreover, each CPU may use its own clock during its allotted time slot to control the external memory, thus accommodating various clock domains in the system. Memory refresh and data protection functions are also provided. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.