Abstract: Magnetofluidic systems and techniques. In one aspect, a magnetofluidic device includes a superhydrophobic surface and a fluid sample in physical contact with the superhydrophobic surface, the fluid sample comprising a collection of particles coated with a passivating layer. The particles are magnetically active in that they respond to an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed by which data is securely deleted in a transactionally consistent manner. This may be accomplished by committing a preparation transaction for a data object within a system managing the data object in order to return the system to an initial condition if necessary, attempting to commit an execution transaction with the data object only after committing the preparation transaction, and securely deleting any portion of the data object necessary to return the system to the initial condition if committing the execution transaction fails and to change the system to a completed condition only if committing the execution transaction succeeds. In a delete or move transaction an existing backup object may be assigned a new logically deleted state such that if the delete or move transaction fails, the data will be made accessible again.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoresponsive hydrogels. The compositions disclosed herein can be prepared by polymerizing a hydrogel precursor and a spiropyran. The properties of the disclosed compositions can be changed by exposure to light, pH, and temperature. Methods of using the disclosed compositions to deliver pharmaceutical actives are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining metadata for offline repositories in online databases for efficient access. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a metadata module configured to maintain metadata pertaining to one or more data record copies of a data record. At least one of the one or more data record copies is stored in an offline storage medium. The apparatus further comprises a query processor module configured to retrieve metadata pertaining to the one or more data record copies in accordance with the metadata stored in the metadata module.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for merging metadata on files in a backup storage. A query is received for information on files from a file system for a client node. A determination is made of metadata for files in a backup storage for the client node stored external to backup sets. At least one backup set in the backup storage for the client node is processed to determine metadata for files included in at least one backup set. The determined metadata for files in the backup storage and for files included in at least one backup set is merged to form merged metadata. The query is executed against the merged metadata to determine files whose metadata satisfies the query. Results including information from the merged metadata on the determined files are returned.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing retention of stored objects. A modification request is received with respect to a stored object. A determination is made as to whether a retention protection mechanism is set and a storage policy associated with the stored object is processed to determine whether the stored object has expired according to the storage policy in response to determining that the retention protection mechanism is set. The modification request is allowed to proceed in response to determining that the stored object has expired.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring related data objects in a distributed data storage environment allows for data objects belonging to a common group to be transferred while preserving the grouping of the data objects. The data objects can be transferred in an order in which the data objects are stored, rather than in an order of grouping. The data objects are accompanied with attribute information including a unique group identifier when transferred from a source site to a target site. At the target site, the attribute information for each data object is received and analyzed. An import groups table listing the groups of data objects is used to associate each data object with its group as it is received. Data objects of groups for which any members have not been received are also listed in an unresolved objects table. When a group is complete, all data objects of the group are removed from the unresolved objects table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for the control of the movement of fluids and electrically charged sample components within those fluids. More particularly, the present invention permits exclusion or concentration of specifically chosen sample components within a fluid. The present invention provides an analytical device, either microchip- or capillary-based, having the means to exclude specific sample components of interest from a capillary or channel for the purpose of preconcentration or control of movement of sample components. Such a control system includes a means for controlling the flow of the fluid in the channel and the placement of an electrode at the immediate entrance of each channel on such devices so that material may be directly manipulated by effects of both bulk flow and electrically driven migration.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing retention of stored objects. A modification request is received with respect to a stored object. A determination is made as to whether a retention protection mechanism is set and a storage policy associated with the stored object is processed to determine whether the stored object has expired according to the storage policy in response to determining that the retention protection mechanism is set. The modification request is allowed to proceed in response to determining that the stored object has expired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA poly-merase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: A microimmunoassay arrangement including paramagnetic particles having labeled antibody held in a microchannel by an external magnetic field provides rapid analysis using small sample volumes.

Abstract: A method for measuring low levels of a substance in a sample includes the formation of a rotor from paramagnetic particles in a substantially uniform magnetic field. The rotor is rotated by rotating the substantially uniform magnetic field. A portion of the substance in a sample is bound to the paramagnetic particles, and a signal having a time-varying component is detected. The signal is then processed using a lock-in amplifier with a reference signal having a frequency twice that of the rotation of the magnetic field. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the time-varying component of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: A method for measuring low levels of a substance in a sample includes the formation of a rotor from paramagnetic particles in a substantially uniform magnetic field. The rotor is rotated by rotating the substantially uniform magnetic field. A portion of the substance in a sample is bound to the paramagnetic particles, and a signal having a time-varying component is detected. The signal is then processed using a lock-in amplifier with a reference signal having a frequency twice that of the rotation of the magnetic field. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the time-varying component of the signal.

Abstract: A portable and self-contained fire suppression system The device, in one embodiment, provides a wheeled frame having a pump, engine, fire suppressant flexible conduit and a site for connection to a source of water. A second embodiment provides a reservoir for retaining a predetermined amount of water onboard of the apparatus. In these embodiments, the device can be expeditiously deployed for promptly responding to an emergency.

Abstract: A structural fire suppression system is provided. The system incorporates the water supply and connects and accelerated pump system to the tank. The pump also communicates with a source of known fire suppression material to be mixed and subsequently distributed via conduits throughout either the duct work in a structure or behind the existing walls. The result is a short term fire suppression system which avoids disastrous effects in emergency.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a vehicle includes a pump, fire suppression agent, hose, and a container for retaining water. The system is mounted within a vehicle, an example of which may be a passenger vehicle and may be powered by the vehicle or extraneously. The provision for all of the necessary elements facilitates containment and extinguishment of serious fires involving the vehicle or adjacent the vehicle.