Abstract: An interval centroid-based watermark encoder encodes a watermark into a packet flow. Intervals are defined for the packet flow. Some of the intervals are selected as group A intervals while other intervals are selected as group B intervals. Group A and group B intervals are paired and assigned to watermark bits. A first or second value may be encoded by increasing the relative packet time between packets in either the group A (for the first bit value) or group B (for the second bit value) interval(s) of the interval pair(s) assigned to the watermark bits that are to represent the first or second bit value and the beginning of the same group interval(s). The relative packet times may be measured by a decoder and used to calculate a centroid difference for each interval pair. The centroid differences may be used to reconstruct the watermark.

Abstract: A packet flow side channel encoder and decoder embeds and extracts a side channel communication in an overt communication data stream transmitted over a network. The encoder selects more than one group of related packets being transmitted on the network, relates a packet of one group to a packet of another group to form a pair of packets; and delays the timing of at least one packet from each pair of packets The decoder determines inter-packet delays that are the difference in timing between two packets in a pair of packets; determines at least one inter-packet delay difference between two or more determined inter-packet delays; and extracts a bit using the at least one interpacket delay difference.

Abstract: Methods of detecting multiple nucleic acid targets in single cells through indirect capture of labels to the nucleic acids are provided. Methods of assaying the relative levels of nucleic acid targets through normalization to levels of reference nucleic acids are also provided. Methods of detecting individual cells, particularly rare cells from large heterogeneous cell populations, through detection of nucleic acids are described. Related compositions, systems, and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A database system providing encrypted column data support with decrypt default functionality. In a database system, a method providing automated encryption support for column data comprises steps of: defining Structured Query Language (SQL) extensions for creating and managing column encryption keys and database tables with encrypted column data; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a database table having particular column data encrypted with the column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying a default value to be provided in response to requests for the column data without decrypt permission; in response to a subsequent database operation requesting encrypted column data from a user with decrypt permission, automatically decrypting the column data; and in response to a subsequent database operation requesting the encrypted column data from a user without decrypt permission, returning the default value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print-head formed of one or more capillary bundle, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calculating the three dimensional surface coordinates for a set of points on the surface of an object. The method comprises the following steps: using a projector for illuminating the object with a set of fringes, adjusting the fringes, capturing a plurality of images of the surface with a camera with different fringe phase settings, processing the images to produce an absolute fringe phase map of the parts of the surface which are both illuminated by the projector and visible to the camera, and processing the fringe phase map to give a set of coordinates for points on the surface of the object. The method provides surface profiling and ranging by using temporal phase measurement interferometry (TPMI) based on a modified Carré technique.

Abstract: A method for printing a microarray on a substrate having a substrate surface is provided. At least one probe reservoir and at least one capillary bundle comprising a plurality of individual capillaries is provided. The output ends of the individual capillaries are secured in a print head such that the output ends of the capillaries are substantially coplanar in an array in a facet of the print head. The capillaries have a capillary pitch P. Probe is transported from at least one probe reservoir to the output ends of the capillaries. An array of probes are printed on the substrate such that the printed probes have a probe pitch of approximately P/N where N is an integer greater than one. Also provided is a method of associating proximal and distal ends of a plurality of capillaries in a capillary bundle. A plurality of fluids are loaded into the distal ends of the plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a unique fluid being loaded therein.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor flatpack capable of extremely sensitive strain measurements, without the complexity, high installation costs, and sensitivity to extraneous effects associated with conventional strain gage technologies, such as resistance foil strain gages. The “flatpack” strain sensor houses two individual sensors to allow for accurate temperature compensated strain measurements. The packaging method incorporates plastic materials and laminate manufacturing techniques, which results in a fully hermetic package that is resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Multiple flatpacks can be connected in series and interrogated along a single optical fiber cable when the flatpacks are constructed with fiber optic sensors that can be serially multiplexed, such as with Bragg grating sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring exit velocity of a round from a muzzle of a gun barrel includes a first optical fiber having a first fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) circumferentially attached to the gun barrel at the muzzle and a second FBG circumferentially attached to the gun barrel further from the muzzle than the first FBG; a coupler that receives one end of the first optical fiber; a light source connected by a second optical fiber to the coupler for supplying light to the first optical fiber; a third optical fiber comprising an FBG notch filter, the third optical fiber being connected to the coupler to receive light reflected from the first optical fiber; a notch filter mount attached to the gun barrel, the FBG notch filter being disposed in the notch filter mount; a photodetector connected to an end of the third optical fiber; and data processing electronics electrically connected to the photodetector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring exit velocity of a round from a muzzle of a gun barrel includes a first optical fiber having a first fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) circumferentially attached to the gun barrel at the muzzle and a second FBG circumferentially attached to the gun barrel further from the muzzle than the first FBG; a coupler that receives one end of the first optical fiber; a light source connected by a second optical fiber to the coupler for supplying light to the first optical fiber; a third optical fiber comprising an FBG notch filter, the third optical fiber being connected to the coupler to receive light reflected from the first optical fiber; a notch filter mount attached to the gun barrel, the FBG notch filter being disposed in the notch filter mount; a photodetector connected to an end of the third optical fiber; and data processing electronics electrically connected to the photodetector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print head formed of one or more bundles of individual capillaries, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be random bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print head formed of one or more bundles of individual capillaries, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be random bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: Systems and methods of biochemical analysis are provided. A method of performing biochemical assays includes loading a first plurality of reservoirs on a first liquid carrier with a first plurality of compounds, coupling a second carrier with the first carrier, the second carrier having a second plurality of reservoirs configured to couple with the first plurality of reservoirs and containing a second plurality of compounds, transferring at least a portion of the first plurality of compounds to the second plurality of reservoirs, and separating at least one component from the second plurality of reservoirs. A system for biochemical analysis includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier includes a first substrate and a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate for retaining a first plurality of compounds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting interactions between an array of probes deposited on a microarray substrate and target molecules in a target liquid are provided. A microarray apparatus can include a substrate having an array of probes deposited on a surface of the substrate for interaction with a target molecule in a target liquid. The apparatus also includes a cover coupled to the substrate to form a reaction chamber therebetween, wherein the array of probes is contained within the reaction chamber and the substrate and the cover are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods involved in extreme high throughput screening of compounds which have an affinity for a biological target are disclosed. The system is based on a capillary bundle with two distinguishable ends wherein capillaries on one end are connected to compounds stored in discrete reservoirs and capillaries on the other end are bound and processed to form a two dimensional microarray. A capillary bundle having reaction wells for hybridization and compound reaction in one end of the capillaries is disclosed. Also disclosed are various methods of identifying a target compound in a liquid using this capillary bundle as well as methods of fabricating the bundle. A novel surface tension guided reaction chamber is also provided. Methods and chemistry for fabrication and use of a surface tension guided reaction chamber in binding and hybridization assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital spatial and wavelength domain system for multiplexing fiber Bragg grating sensors comprises: a plurality of optical fibers, each including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings therein, each fiber Bragg grating having a selective center wavelength that is variable in accordance with strain for reflecting or transmitting light at the corresponding center wavelength in accordance with the strain thereat; means for providing broad band illumination (110) for the fiber Bragg gratings; means for each optical fiber for carrying the light to a selected location; and a wavelength dispersion device (136) responsive to the light from each of the fibers for wavelength separating the light in each fiber into the center wavelengths in accordance with the location of each fiber so that the selected location of each fiber and the wavelength separated light provides spatially independent signals for each fiber Bragg grating in each optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods involved in extreme high throughput screening of compounds which have an affinity for a biological target. The system is based on a capillary bundle with two distinguishable ends wherein capillaries on one end are connected to compounds stored in discrete reservoirs and capillaries on the other end are bound and processed to form a two dimensional microarray. A capillary bundle having reaction wells for hybridization and compound reaction in one end of the capillaries is disclosed. The capillaries may be light-conducting. Also disclosed are various methods of identifying a target compound in a liquid using this capillary bundle as well as methods of fabricating the bundle.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein provide a novel 3-dimensional arrangement of probes on a probe carrier with concomitant increases in the economy of reagents, compactness and readability of the probe carriers. Novel methods of fabricating probe carriers are also disclosed. Techniques for hybridization assays and reading results of such assays are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print head formed of one or more bundles of individual capillaries, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be random bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: The disclosed scanning structure includes an apparatus for light delivery and light receiving from a light-excitable area on a substrate to be measured by the scanning structure. The light delivery and receiving apparatus may include an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end which transmits light having a certain wavelength or light with several varying wavelengths to excite the substrate samples. This optical fiber may also simultaneously receive light which may be emitted by fluorescing samples on the substrate. The scanning structure also may further include a holder for the optical fiber that is able to transverse variable distances over the substrate to be measured or examined. Holders may include galvano scanners as well as resonating suspension beams. A light source, e.g., a laser, may be optically coupled to the optic fiber's proximal end.