Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating multiple system state projections using a grid computing environment. A central coordinator software component executes on a root data processor and provides commands and data to a plurality of node coordinator software components. A node coordinator software component manages threads which execute on its associated node data processor and which perform a set of matrix operations. Stochastic simulations use results of the matrix operations to generate multiple state projections. Additional processing can be performed by the grid computing environment based upon the generated state projections, such as to develop possible change information for users.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating multiple system state projections for one or more scenarios using a grid computing environment. A central coordinator software component executes on a root data processor and provides commands and data to a plurality of node coordinator software components. A node coordinator software component manages threads which execute on its associated node data processor and which perform a set of matrix operations. Stochastic simulations use results of the matrix operations to generate multiple state projections. Additional processing can be performed by the grid computing environment based upon the generated state projections, such as to develop risk information for users.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a hand-held electronic device for use in detecting the optical properties of a sample. The adapter includes a backing plate having an integral surface that secures the adapter to the electronic device. The adapter also includes a sample housing having a sample holder and a cap. The sample holder is configured to receive the placement of a sample and/or a sample vessel. The backing plate includes an orifice that allows the passage of light from the sample to the detector of the electronic device. The backing plate may also include another orifice that allows for light emitted from an emitter of the electronic device to enter into the sample holder. The sample holder may also include reflective surfaces that direct light to/from the sample as well as filters that filter the wavelength of light sent to sample and/or detected by the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a hand-held electronic device for use in detecting the optical properties of a sample. The adapter includes a backing plate having an integral surface that secures the adapter to the electronic device. The adapter also includes a sample housing having a sample holder and a cap. The sample holder is configured to receive the placement of a sample and/or a sample vessel. The backing plate includes an orifice that allows the passage of light from the sample to the detector of the electronic device. The backing plate may also include another orifice that allows for light emitted from an emitter of the electronic device to enter into the sample holder. The sample holder may also include reflective surfaces that direct light to/from the sample as well as filters that filter the wavelength of light sent to sample and/or detected by the detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a grid computing system that performs analytical calculations on data stored in a distributed file system. A grid-enabled software component at a control node is configured to invoke the distributed file system software at the control node to provide block locations for a plurality of the data blocks; determine a configuration of data blocks to read at the plurality of worker nodes; instruct the grid-enabled software components at the plurality of worker nodes to retrieve locally stored data, perform an analytical calculation on the retrieved data, and send the results of the analytical calculation on the retrieved data to the grid-enabled software component at the control node; and assemble the results of the analytical calculations performed by the grid-enabled software components from the plurality of worker nodes.

Abstract: One aspect is a friction hinge system including a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and defining a substantially cylindrical opening and a longitudinal slot. A torque element assembly is configured within the housing and configured to extend through the slot thereby securing the torque element assembly relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion selectively agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing an estimation using an iteratively reweighted least squares technique on a scenario defined by a design matrix, a response variable vector, and a parameter to be estimated. A system and method can be configured to include a root data processor, where a least squares estimate is calculated by the root data processor during each of a plurality of processing iterations. A plurality of node data processors can also be configured to: update values of a weight matrix according to a current state of the least squares estimate, determine a first intermediate value based on the design matrix and the weight matrix, determine a second intermediate value based on the design and weight matrices and the response variable vector. The root data processor calculates an updated least squares estimate based on the intermediate values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a grid computing system that performs analytical calculations on data stored in a distributed database system. A grid-enabled software component at a control node is configured to invoke database management software (DBMS) at the control node to cause the DBMS at a plurality of the worker nodes to make available data to the grid-enabled software component local to its node; instruct the grid-enabled software components at the plurality of worker nodes to perform an analytical calculation on the received data and to send the results of the data analysis to the grid-enabled software component at the control node; and assemble the results of the data analysis performed by the grid-enabled software components at the plurality of worker nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a grid computing system that performs analytical calculations on data stored in a distributed database system. A grid-enabled software component at a control node is configured to invoke database management software (DBMS) at the control node to cause the DBMS at a plurality of the worker nodes to make available data to the grid-enabled software component local to its node; instruct the grid-enabled software components at the plurality of worker nodes to perform an analytical calculation on the received data and to send the results of the data analysis to the grid-enabled software component at the control node; and assemble the results of the data analysis performed by the grid-enabled software components at the plurality of worker nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for simulating a portfolio risk of a portfolio managed according to one or more portfolio management rules. An initial holding amount of an investment instrument is received, and a portfolio management rule is received. One or more risk factors are simulated a first time period into the future. An adjustment amount is determined based on the portfolio management rule and the one or more risk factors simulated a first time period into the future and the holding amount of the investment instrument is adjusted based on adjustment amount. The one or more risk factors are simulated a second time period into the future, and a portfolio risk value is calculated based on the adjusted holding amount and the one or more risk factors simulated a second time period into the future.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating multiple system state projections for one or more scenarios using a grid computing environment. A central coordinator software component executes on a root data processor and provides commands and data to a plurality of node coordinator software components. A node coordinator software component manages threads which execute on its associated node data processor and which perform a set of matrix operations. Stochastic simulations use results of the matrix operations to generate multiple state projections. Additional processing can be performed by the grid computing environment based upon the generated state projections, such as to develop risk information for users.

Abstract: Consumable analytical plasticware comprising polymers having solubility parameters of about 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 or greater are described herein. Also disclosed are methods of using the consumable analytical plasticware, for example, to increase the yields of biomolecules such as nucleic acids from biological samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing an estimation using an iteratively reweighted least squares technique on a scenario defined by a design matrix, a response variable vector, and a parameter to be estimated. A system and method can be configured to include a root data processor, where a least squares estimate is calculated by the root data processor during each of a plurality of processing iterations. A plurality of node data processors can also be configured to: update values of a weight matrix according to a current state of the least squares estimate, determine a first intermediate value based on the design matrix and the weight matrix, determine a second intermediate value based on the design and weight matrices and the response variable vector. The root data processor calculates an updated least squares estimate based on the intermediate values.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion selectively agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.