Abstract: A sample loading cartridge (1) for a microfluidic device comprises a cartridge body (10) with a sample reservoir (20) configured to house a volume of a liquid sample (3) and a sample port (30) in connection with the sample reservoir (20). The cartridge (1) also comprises an output channel (40) extending from the sample reservoir (20) and a feedback channel (50) connected to the sample reservoir (20) and to the sample port (30). The cartridge body (10) comprises a detection portion (60) aligned with the feedback channel (50) to enable detection of any sample (3) in the feedback channel (50). The flow resistance of the feedback channel (50) is lower than the flow resistance of the output channel (40) to cause liquid sample (3) received in the sample port (30) to enter the feedback channel (50) with substantially no liquid sample (3) entering the output channel (40).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding image data are provided. The method includes selecting a number of sequential image frames in an image frame sequence to achieve a desired encoding performance, such as high quality or low latency, performing a three-dimensional discrete cosine transform on image data in the image frame sequence to provide a three-dimensional matrix of coefficients, and processing the coefficients to provide an encoded bit sequence for transmission. A vehicle distribution system incorporating the encoding and decoding techniques is also provided. The vehicle distribution system includes one or more encoder nodes and one or more decoder nodes coupled to a network for distributing data in a vehicle.