Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A capability is provided for detecting congestion in a communication network. A congestion condition is detected for the network based on resource utilization information associated with the network and a set of user quality-of-experience (QoE) indicators associated with the network. An indication of congestion in the network is detected based on resource utilization information associated with the network and a determination as to whether or not to generate detect a congestion condition for the network is made based on one or more user QoE indicators associated with the network. An indication of congestion in the network is detected based on resource utilization information associated with the network and a determination as to whether or not to generate a congestion alert for the indication of congestion in the network is made based on one or more user QoE indicators associated with the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seed blend comprising pesticidal seed and refuge seed, wherein plants grown from said pesticidal seed type do not pollinate plants grown from said refuge seed type when the seed blend is planted. In some embodiments, the refuge crop reproductively matures at a different time relative to the time at which the pesticidal crop reproductively matures. Methods for deploying the seed blend and for reducing cross-pollination between plants grown from the pesticidal seed and refuge seed are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and melt data acquisition according to a single slug approach in which a single slug in a microfluidic channel fills an entire thermal zone of the microfluidic channel, and the thermal zone used for both PCR temperature cycling and melt data acquisition. A detector may be configured to detect fluorescence from the thermal zone during the PCR temperature cycling for real-time PCR and/or during temperature ramping in the melt data acquisition. Slug position control may be achieved by detecting leading or trailing edges in a slug build target zone into which a slug passes after passing through the thermal zone. The single slug approach may break coupling between one or more events of the PCR amplification and melt data acquisition and enable events to be independently optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for ensuring that multiple components of a mixture are fully mixed in a continuous flow microfluidic system while ensuring that mixing between segments flowing through the chip is minimized. In some embodiments, the present invention includes mixing fluids in a droplet maintained at the tip of a pipette before the mixture is introduced to the microfluidic device. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for creating segments that move through a microfluidic chip with minimal mixing between segments. The microfluidic chip may have an interface chip and a reaction chip. In some embodiments, the present invention includes creating segments that flow through an interface chip and a reaction chip, wherein the interface chip and a reaction chip have separate flow control mechanisms and produce minimal mixing between segments.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for ensuring that multiple components of a mixture are fully mixed in a continuous flow microfluidic system while ensuring that mixing between segments flowing through the chip is minimized. In some embodiments, the present invention includes mixing fluids in a droplet maintained at the tip of a pipette before the mixture is introduced to the microfluidic device. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pipette tip having a ratio of an outside diameter to an inside diameter that provides sufficient surface area for a droplet comprising up to the entire volume of the liquid to suspend from the pipette tip intact. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for delivering a reaction mixture to a microfluidic chip comprising a docking receptacle, an access tube and a reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides methods and systems for controlling slugs using temperature dependent fluorescent dyes. In some embodiments, the present invention uses one or more techniques to enhance the visibility of slugs, enhance a system's ability to differentiate between slugs, and enhance a system's ability to identify the positions of slugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays. More particularly, the present invention provides for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the properties of blood using ultrasound. The present invention is particularly suitable for measuring HCT, HGB, MCV, RBC, MCHC, MCH or TPC of blood.

Abstract: An ultrasonic field-portable system for accurately measuring hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) in small food samples. The system includes an analyzer (10) that allows extremely accurate measurements of blood hematocrit from only one or two drops of +>>d collected in a disposable sampling device (12) that is then inserted into the analyzer (10). The system is compact enough to package into a point of care device, making it a point of care device with accuracy comparable to larger CBC lab equipment.

Abstract: A wind meter comprising a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) differential pressure sensors positioned in a lobed housing, with an even number of circumferential ports arranged in an equally-spaced, circular pattern at the distal ends of the lobes of the housing, with tubes leading inward from the ports to the MEM sensors. The MEM sensors and other control system electronics are contained in the housing and are fully enclosed therein. The lobed housing structure does not impede or influence the movement of the wind as it passes and yet serves to prevent the ingress of moisture into the housing, thereby preventing fouling of the sensors. The tubular structures include an internal coating of hydrophobic material and are oriented at a slight angle from the horizontal in order to accomplish this protection. The openings at the ends of the tubular structures are positioned outside the fluid boundary layer.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes a clamp head, and a first jaw and a second jaw, each mounted to the clamp head for movement toward and away from each other. The clamp also includes an operative mechanism coupled to the proximal end of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw, and an actuating structure connected to the operative mechanism for imparting a parallel opening movement to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from a first position to a second position where the first jaw and the second jaw are spaced apart and parallel to one another, the actuating structure selectively imparting further scissors-like opening movement to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from the second position to a third position where the first jaw and the second jaw are spaced apart a distance greater than that of the second position.

Abstract: A wind meter comprising a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) differential pressure sensors positioned in a lobed housing, with an even number of circumferential ports arranged in an equally-spaced, circular pattern at the distal ends of the lobes of the housing, with tubes leading inward from the ports to the MEM sensors. The MEM sensors and other control system electronics are contained in the housing and are fully enclosed therein. The lobed housing structure does not impede/influence the movement of the wind as it passes and yet serves to prevent the ingress of moisture into the housing, thereby preventing fouling of the sensors. The tubular structures include an internal coating of hydrophobic material and are oriented at a slight angle from the horizontal in order to accomplish this protection. The openings at the ends of the tubular structures are positioned outside the fluid boundary layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the properties of blood using ultrasound. The present invention is particularly suitable for measuring HCT, HGB, MCV, RBC, MCHC, MCH or TPC of blood.

Abstract: A wireless multimedia messaging communications method and apparatus that permits a subscriber to a wireless telecommunications service to receive and generate multimedia messages from known wireless personal communications devices, i.e., cellular/PCS telephones. A multimedia message may be received by the network and selectively delivered to a subscriber of the wireless service. Upon receipt of the message, the network determines an appropriate action to take with respect to the message based upon a profile of the subscriber. The subscriber is then notified by the network of the message and then delivers the message and any multimedia attachments to the message to the subscriber, according to a delivery indication sent by the subscriber to the network. Advantageously, the method allows for the conversion of messages as appropriate, i.e.

Abstract: This invention provides a quick-placement EEG electrode. The EEG electrode is fixed to a patient's scalp by a first element working in conjunction with a second element to trap hair and hold the EEG electrode in place. The EEG electrode contains a sponge that when compressed, dispenses electrolytic gel, acts as a shock absorber, and maintains contact with the scalp. The EEG electrode has a quick release mechanism for easy removal of the EEG electrode from the patient's scalp.