Abstract: A system (10) and method (50) for controlling the transmission power of a node (14) that includes at least one base station (12), at least one node (14), a sensor (16), and a control unit (20). The node (14) is in communication with the base station (12). The sensor (16) is integrated with each of the nodes (14), wherein the sensor (16) collects data that includes at least the amount of combustible material (18) proximate to the node (14). The control unit (20) is integrated with each node (14) and configures the transmission power of each of the nodes (14) based upon the data collected by the sensor (16).

Abstract: A system [100] is provided that includes a first set of sensors [140] to sense a set of conditions of at least one participant in a conversation and generate raw data corresponding to the sensed set of conditions. A first aggregation engine [160] aggregates the raw data and outputs a file corresponding to the raw data. A heuristic engine [175] receives the file and compares the raw data with predetermined state data and outputs a state based on a comparison of the raw data and the predetermined state data. A feedback device [180] determines a corrective action to enhance an outcome of the conversation based on the state.

Abstract: A wireless device (100) provides coordinated audio playback. The device (100) includes a network interface (112) that receives a signal from a sending or originating device (401) and sends a reply to the signal. A network delay value is then calculated based on the reply to the signal. The wireless device (100) then receives a location of the originating device (401) and at least a portion of an audio file. The wireless device (100) generates audio from the audio file, with the generation being coordinated with audio generation by the originating device (401) based upon the network delay value and the distance between the wireless device (100) and the originating device (401).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming one dimensional nanostructures. The method comprises ink jet printing (52) a plurality of catalyst particles (36) on a substrate (32). A gas (20) is applied (54) to the catalyst particles (36) while simultaneously applying (56) microwave radiation (38).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring a blood analyte concentration of a body part comprising removing a portion or all of the blood from the body part to produce a modified body part, and recording a first absorbance value of the modified body part. This is followed by filling the body part with blood to produce a filled body part, and recording a second absorbance value of the filled body part. A difference spectrum is obtained by subtracting the first absorbance values from the second absorbance values, and a calibration algorithm for the blood analyte is applied to the difference spectrum, thereby measuring the concentration of the blood analyte. Also provided is an apparatus for determining the concentration of a blood analyte of a body part. The apparatus comprising a chamber of a size and shape to receive the body part, where the chamber comprises an element for withdrawing and reintroducing blood from the body part, when the body part is inserted within the chamber.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (50) for controlling the transmission power of a node (14) that includes at least one base station (12), at least one node (14), a sensor (16), and a control unit (20). The node (14) is in communication with the base station (12). The sensor (16) is integrated with each of the nodes (14), wherein the sensor (16) collects data that includes at least the amount of combustible material (18) proximate to the node (14). The control unit (20) is integrated with each node (14) and configures the transmission power of each of the nodes (14) based upon the data collected by the sensor (16).

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting target molecules (60) using a surface-molecularly imprinted sensor (52) and more particularly for detecting hydroxyl containing molecules, heavy metal ions, or thiol- or dialkylamine containing molecules by integrating molecular recognition and sensor transduction. The method includes soaking a support surface (14) in a solution containing a ligand molecule with headgroups that could adsorb on the surface of a substrate, or monomer to create a monolayer, a monolayer of polymerized organosiloxane groups (16), or a conducting film on the support surface (14). Template molecules (18) are then added to the imprinting solution so as to be positioned within the sparsely formed film, wherein the template molecules (18) comprise hydroxyl containing molecules, heavy metal ions, or thiol and dialkylamine containing molecules which prevents the interaction between monomer/ligand molecules and template molecules (18).

Abstract: A system [100] is provided that includes a first set of sensors [140] to sense a set of conditions of at least one participant in a conversation and generate raw data corresponding to the sensed set of conditions. A first aggregation engine [160] aggregates the raw data and outputs a file corresponding to the raw data. A heuristic engine [175] receives the file and compares the raw data with predetermined state data and outputs a state based on a comparison of the raw data and the predetermined state data. A feedback device [180] determines a corrective action to enhance an outcome of the conversation based on the state.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a communication session among a plurality of communication members (116, 118, 120 and 122) is provided. The communication session is managed by an electronic device (102). The method includes identifying (304) an interrupted communication member (120) from the plurality of communication members. The interrupted communication member is talked-over by an interrupting communication member (122) during the communication session. Further, the method includes determining (306) an opportunity to notify in the communication session when the talk-over concludes. Furthermore, the method includes providing (308) a notification of the talk-over to the plurality of communication members during the opportunity to notify.

Abstract: At least some speakers engaged in an oral discourse are identified (101) and their oral contributions during that oral discourse tracked (102). At least one visual indicator provided (103) during the oral discourse serves to provide data regarding these tracked contributions (such as, but not limited to, an aggregate length of time that one or more of the participants has spoken). These teachings also provide, however, for automatically taking (104) at least one other action, during the oral discourse, as a function, at least in part, of this tracked oral contribution information.

Abstract: A wireless device (100) provides coordinated audio playback. The device (100) includes a network interface (112) that receives a signal from a sending or originating device (401) and sends a reply to the signal. A network delay value is then calculated based on the reply to the signal. The wireless device (100) then receives a location of the originating device (401) and at least a portion of an audio file. The wireless device (100) generates audio from the audio file, with the generation being coordinated with audio generation by the originating device (401) based upon the network delay value and the distance between the wireless device (100) and the originating device (401).

Abstract: In a molecule detection system and method, a sample containing target molecules is added to an array of test sites, with each test site containing distinct probe molecules. The probe molecules bind with the target molecules in the sample to form bound complexes. A source illuminates the array of test sites with incident electromagnetic radiation and an active pixel sensor detects the electromagnetic radiation from the array. To detect the presence of target molecules in the sample, the active pixel sensor detects changes in the optical properties of the test sites that result, either directly or indirectly, from their binding of the probe molecules with the target molecules. The target molecules may also be characterized on the basis of which probe molecules bind to them.

Abstract: In a molecule detection system and method, a sample containing target molecules is added to an array of test sites, with each test site containing distinct probe molecules. The probe molecules bind with the target molecules in the sample to form bound complexes. A source illuminates the array of test sites with incident electromagnetic radiation, and an active pixel sensor detects the electromagnetic radiation from the array. To detect the presence of target molecules in the sample, the active pixel sensor detects changes in the optical properties of the test sites that result, either directly or indirectly, from their binding of the probe molecules with the target molecules. The target molecules may also be characterized on the basis of which probe molecules bind to them.

Abstract: A molecular sensing apparatus comprises a first electrode (10), a second electrode (12), a first molecule (20), a second molecule (22), and a third molecule (34). The first molecule (20) has a first chain of nucleic bases (30) and a first group (24). The first group (24) is bound to the first electrode (10). The second molecule (22) has a second chain of nucleic bases (32) and a second group (26). The second group (26) is bound to the second electrode (12). The third molecule (34) is bound to the first molecule (20) and the second molecule (22). A method which uses the molecular sensing apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of performing a binding assay which comprises the steps of separating a plurality of sample fragments into a plurality of subsamples and applying each of the plurality of subsamples to a respective one of a plurality of binding assays. A system which performs the aforementioned steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating one or more arrays of bio-molecule test sites including providing a solution containing bio-molecule probes in contact with the surface of a substrate, using orthogonal acoustic waves to concentrate the bio-molecule probes at a node intersection, bonding the bio-molecule probes on the substrate at the node intersection to form a test site, and removing the solution leaving the bio-molecule probes attached to the surface at the test site. The steps are repeated as often as desired, using different bio-molecule probes, to produce one or more arrays of test sites.

Abstract: A first sensor (18) for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (20) into which a reagent is diffusable, at least one molecular receptor (22) supported by the receptor-supporting element (20), and a first electrode (24) embedded in the receptor-supporting element (20). A second sensor for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (130), at least one molecular receptor (132) supported by the receptor-supporting element (130), an electrode (134) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130), and a porous electrode (136) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130).

Abstract: An apparatus for placing at least one biological reagent at a plurality of locations on a substrate includes a stamp member onto which the at least one biological reagent is applied. The stamp member defines a plurality of transfer elements patterned to correspond to the plurality of locations. The stamp member contacts the substrate to transfer the at least one biological reagent from the plurality of transfer elements to the plurality of locations. The transfer elements can be defined by reservoirs or projected portions of the stamp member.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a substrate (34) which supports a filling region (22) and a plurality of electrophoresis lanes (20). The filling region (22) communicates a sample to the plurality of electrophoresis lanes (20). A method of electrophoresis includes providing the above-described electrophoresis apparatus, applying a sample to the filling region (22), the plurality of electrophoresis lanes (20) receiving the sample from the filling region (22), and electrophoresing the sample in the plurality of electrophoresis lanes (20).

Abstract: A micro-contact printing apparatus includes a pressure chamber with a micro-contact printing stamp, a vacuum chuck, elastomeric membrane and mechanical stops attached to the vacuum chuck and positioned within the chamber. An extractor pin is attached to the chamber and accessible externally. The micro-contact printing stamp includes a flexible layer made from an elastomer with a stamping surface and attached to a support structure. A method for micro-contact printing a substrate surface includes advancing the substrate surface toward the stamping surface and contacting mechanical stops with support structure before the substrate surface physically contacts the stamping surface. Springs of members adjust the position of the substrate surface to be parallel with the stamping surface. The membrane is inflated to physically contact the substrate surface with the stamping surface, in such a manner that complete adhesion of the stamping surface to the substrate surface is achieved.