Abstract: Systems, methods and interfaces are disclosed for managing communications associated with a mobile communication device. Mobile communication devices process environmental inputs and transmit mobile communication device context information to a communication management system. The context information may, for example, reflect the motion and/or geographic location of the mobile device, and may reflect the risk associated with using the device to handle a call or other communications session. The communication management system uses the context information, optionally in combination with communication device profiles, to determine how to manage incoming and/or ongoing calls or other communication sessions. Mobile device users may also be inhibited from initiating communication sessions.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing blood flow by applying positive pressure to extremities of a mammal and/or controlling the temperature of the mammal. The device includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements capable of expanding and flexibly applying pressurized compression forces to the extremity of the mammal by attaching one or more pressure-applying gas plenums as close to the extremity as possibly. The flexible extremity device can be used independently or can be used in conjunction with thermal pads disposed to the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Alternatively, the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements can be manufactured into thermal pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired pressure to extremities of a mammal. The device generally includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements, capable of expanding from a first volume into an expanded second volume so the device can receive a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein and then be reduced from the expanded second volume into a pressurized third volume to conformably enclose the portion of the extremity. One or more thermal exchange units can be positioned in the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Accordingly, the temperature of the extremity of a mammal can be regulated by providing a heated or cooled fluid medium or electric thermal energy to the one or more thermal exchange units.

Abstract: A medical device for photodynamically treating cancerous tissue, such as prostate cancer, comprising a body, a needle extendable from the body and at least one light-emitting (e.g., laser) diode mounted on the needle. The body is sized and configured for introduction into the urethra of a patient. The needle is movable between a retracted position housed substantially within the cylindrical body, and a deployed position in which the needle extends from the cylindrical body to enable it to penetrate into prostate tissue. The light-emitting diode is adapted to emit light to activate a photosensitizing agent (e.g., porfimer sodium) in or adjacent cancerous tissue in the prostate. Methods of treating cancer and other embodiments of medical devices for cancer treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for injecting a liquid sample into an electrolyte channel in a microfluidics device is disclosed. The device has a channel network that includes an electrolyte channel having upstream and downstream channel portions and first, second, and third side channels that intersect the electrolyte channel between the two channel portions at first, second, and third ports, respectively. In the method, a sample is moved electrokinetically into the electrolyte channel, to form a defined sample volume therein. By simultaneously controlling the voltage applied to the three side channels, and at least one of the upstream and downstream channel end portions, the sample volume element can be shaped to have a desired leading- and trailing-edge shape and/or distribution of sample components within the volume elements.

Abstract: Methods of sample loading and separation in a microfluidics device are described. The methods provide high resolution and high signal intensity, using, in a preferred embodiment, a simple two-electrode injection scheme with transient isotachophoretic (ITP) stacking.

Abstract: A method of separating components having a given negative or positive charge and contained in a sample is disclosed. The method involves, in one embodiment, loading a microchannel with a sample, placed between a trailing-edge electrolyte having a selected concentration of a titratable species, and a leading-edge electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of separating components having a given negative or positive charge and contained in a sample is disclosed. The method involves, in one embodiment, loading a microchannel with a sample, placed between a trailing-edge electrolyte having a selected concentration of a titratable species, and a leading-edge electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for improved readability of digitally captured document images that include printed or handwritten textual material overlaid on background graphics. Text in the document is generally composed at least in part of strokes characterized by pairs of edges in close proximity to one another. The digital image comprises an array of pixels representing at least a portion of the document. The edges in the pixel array are first identified and then grown by an effective amount so as to cause pairs of edges characterizing each stroke substantially to merge. The grown edges are then shrunk by an effective amount so as to cause non-stroke edges to be substantially eliminated without eliminating the merged stroke edges.

Abstract: Integrated microfluidic devices comprising at least an enrichment channel (10) and a main electrophoretic flowpath (12) are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet (6). The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays, high throughput screening for genomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-or-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally.

Abstract: A telecommunications system uses a packet switched network to provide communications capabilities to mobile devices. Base transceiver stations (BTSs) on the network communicate with mobile devices in their respective coverage areas. User media exchanged between the mobile devices and the BTSs are encoded in the mobile devices' native formats. The BTSs encapsulate the user media in a packet-based representation and send it to the other endpoint of the session via the network. A media gateway interfaces with telephone networks and converts media between the native formats of the mobile devices and the native formats of the telephone networks. A softswitch provides session processing and media connection signaling and switching via control signals encoded in a packet-based representation and sent to the BTSs and/or media gateways via the packet switched network.

Abstract: Integrated microfluidic devices comprising at least an enrichment channel (10) and a main electrophoretic flowpath (12) are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet (6). The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays, high throughput screening for genomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-or-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally.

Abstract: A softswitch at a network operations center (NOC) is in data communication with base transceiver stations (BTSs) at one or more locations. The softswitch performs call processing, mobility management, and media connection switching and signaling to provide communications capabilities to mobile devices in communication with the BTSs. The softswitch routes control signals for calls between the enterprises and the NOC, but routes call media on the most efficient point-to-point paths between the devices on the calls. This routing reduces the amount of bandwidth required between the locations and the NOC and provides economies of scale, thereby allowing a centralized NOC to efficiently support BTSs at multiple locations. Each location has an internet protocol (IP)-based network coupling one or more BTSs for providing coverage to the mobile devices. Each location optionally has a media gateway connected to the IP network and a private branch exchange and/or public telephone network.

Abstract: A softswitch at a network operations center (NOC) is in data communication with one or more enterprises. The softswitch performs call processing, mobility management, and media connection switching and signaling to provide communications capabilities including basic and enhanced calling features to mobile devices at the enterprises. The softswitch routes control signals for calls between the enterprises and the NOC, but routes call media on the most efficient point-to-point paths between the devices on the calls. This routing reduces the amount of bandwidth required between the enterprises and the NOC and provides economies of scale, thereby allowing a centralized NOC to efficiently support multiple enterprises. Each enterprise has an internet protocol (IP)-based network coupling one or more base station transceivers for providing coverage to the mobile devices. Each enterprise optionally has a media gateway connected to the IP network and a private branch exchange and/or public telephone network.

Abstract: Methods of sample loading and separation in a microfluidics device are described. The methods provide high resolution and high signal intensity, using, in a preferred embodiment, a simple two-electrode injection scheme with isotachophoretic (ITP) stacking, followed by ZE separation in the same channel.

Abstract: Integrated microfluidic devices comprising at least an enrichment channel (10) and a main electrophoretic flowpath (12) are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet (6). The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays, high throughput screening for genomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-or-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally.

Abstract: A method of separating components having a given negative or positive charge and contained in a sample is disclosed. The method involves, in one embodiment, loading a microchannel with a sample, placed between a trailing-edge electrolyte having a selected concentration of a titratable species, and a leading-edge electrolyte.

Abstract: A fully integrated monolithic small volume PCR-CE device in glass, or the like materials, is fabricated using thin film metal heaters and thermocouples to thermally cycle sub-microliter PCR volumes. Successful amplification of a PCR fragment is demonstrated on a PCR-CE chip. The process utilizes a linear polyacrylamide surface coating coupled with addition of BSA to the amplification buffer was necessary to obtain amplification efficiencies comparable to a positive control. The micro-reactor reduced significantly the time required for amplification and the reaction volume was in the sub-microliter regime. Likewise addressed are the known problems connected with reliable microfabrication of metal coatings and the insulating layers required to shield these layers from the PCR reaction mix, and the longstanding unresolved issue of exposed metal regions in the PCR-CE chip resulting in electrolysis of water and bubble formation whenever a voltage is applied.

Abstract: A rigid water blown polyurethane foam with improved and unexpected fire retardancy can be prepared from a formulation including a B component which is a mixture of a first polyol that is an ultra low viscosity Mannich polyol and a second polyol that is not. The foams of the present invention are particularly useful for spray foam, pour-in-place, and lamination applications and have properties similar to conventional foams.

Abstract: Integrated microfluidic devices comprising at least an enrichment channel (10) and a main electrophoretic flowpath (12) are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet (6). The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays, high throughput screening for genomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-or-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally.