Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems having enhanced detection sensitivity, particularly for use in non-fluorogenic detection methods, e.g., absorbance. The systems typically employ planar microfluidic devices that include one or more channel networks that are parallel to the major plane of the device, e.g., the predominant plane of the planar structure, and a detection channel segment that is substantially orthogonal to that plane. The detection system is directed along the length of the detection channel segment using a detection orientation that is consistent with conventional microfluidic systems.

Abstract: Methods for determining nucleic acid fragmentation status are provided. A nucleic acid of interest in a reaction mixture is contacted with two or more different probes complementary to sites separated by a point of potential fragmentation. The probes each comprise a detectable marker. The nucleic acid of interest is flowed into a detection region, where two or more coincident detectable marker signals from the probes are detected. Fragmentation status of the nucleic acid of interest is determined, coincident detection of signals from two or more of the different probes indicating the nucleic acid of interest is not fragmented between the probes.

Abstract: A method of providing a best bid and a best offer to a buyer, including receiving one or more offers to sell a commodity according to a predetermined contract at one or more specified prices. The specified prices are adjusted based on shipping costs associated with a destination specified by the buyer. A best offer is determined from the adjusted prices. A source location is determined corresponding to the best offer price. One or more bids are received to purchase the commodity. A best bid is determined corresponding to the source location. The best bid is adjusted based on the shipping cost between the source location and the destination and the adjusted best bid and the best otter are transferred to the buyer over a computer network for display by a networked host.

Abstract: Samples of materials used in industrial processes are analyzed to determine the concentration of certain materials of interest. The quantitative analysis of samples for these materials is provided without the need for manual methods such as titration. Indicators such as fluorescent dyes for which the intensity of fluorescence is indicative of the concentration of a material of interest are used. The dyes are made to fluoresce by means of a light source, and a photomultiplier or other detector capable of measuring light intensity detects the resulting fluorescence. The intensity of fluorescence in the sample is compared to the intensities of fluorescence produced by samples with known concentrations of the material of interest to determine the concentration of the material of interest of the sample.

Abstract: A partial enumeration model predictive controller and method of predictive control for a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system, including providing a solution table with problem solutions to a model predictive control problem for the MIMO system over a partial parameter region; scanning the solution table for an optimal solution for current parameters; using the optimal solution to control the MIMO system when the optimal solution is in the solution table; and using an alternative solution to control the MIMO system when the optimal solution is not in the solution table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the filling syringes. One medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a body member for releasably holding syringe barrels and an actuator apparatus slidably mounted on the body member to engage syringe plungers to cause the syringe plunger to be retracted. A fluid delivery apparatus is releasably mounted to the body member. The fluid delivery apparatus has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports. One method for filling a plurality of syringes in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of mounting a plurality a syringes to a syringe holding member and connecting a fluid delivery apparatus to the syringe holding member to mate with each of the tips of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: Nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are used in various sequencing by incorporation/sequencing by synthesis methods. Nucleotide analogs comprising 3?-blocking groups are used to provide reversible chain-termination for sequencing by synthesis. Typical blocking groups include phosphate groups and carbamate groups. Fluorescent nucleotides are used to perform sequencing by synthesis with detection by incorporation of the fluorescently labeled nucleotide, optionally followed by photobleaching and intercalating dyes are used to detect addition of a non-labeled nucleotide in sequencing by synthesis with detection by intercalation. Microfluidic devices, including particle arrays, are used in the sequencing methods.

Abstract: An outlet cover with barrier wall, the cover for an outlet box mounted in a building wall including an outer wall with an outer opening; a surrounding wall integrally joined to and extending substantially normal to the outer wall; an L-shaped barrier wall integrally joined to and extending substantially normal to the outer wall, the barrier wall forming an inner opening opposite the outer opening to meet the outlet box, a portion of the barrier wall extending toward the plane of the inner opening, the barrier wall further forming a cover conduit port; an attaching flange integrally joined to the surrounding wall for being placed against the building wall, the attaching flange being a continuous flange about the surrounding wall; a display enclosure forming an interior and an enclosure conduit port; and a conduit having a conduit passage in communication between the cover conduit port and the enclosure conduit port.

Abstract: A microtitre plate having a relieved perimeter includes a plate defining a plurality of wells and the perimeter of the plate is horizontally relieved. Alternatively, a microtitre plate may include a base and a holding section extending from the base. The holding section defines a plurality of wells and the perimeter thereof being horizontally relieved.

Abstract: Sieving mediums comprising less than about 0.5% polymer, less than about 0.4% polymer, and 0.35% polymer or less are used to perform nucleic acid separations and PCR. The low polymer concentration does not inhibit PCR reactions and is sufficient for performing nucleic acids separations. Microfluidic devices are used to perform nucleic acids separations and PCR reactions in the sieving mediums described.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a microfluidic device and a dry-focus microfluidic device compatible with the compact optical detection system are described. The system includes an LED; means for collimating light emitted by the LED; an aspherical, fused-silica objective lens; means for directing the collimated light through the objective onto a microfluidic device; and means for detecting a fluorescent signal emitted from the microfluidic device. The working distance between the objective and the device allows light from an external LED or laser to be brought in along a diagonal path to illuminate the microfluidic device. The dry-focus microfluidic device includes multiple channels and multiple closed optical alignment marks having curved walls. At least one of the channels is positioned between at least two of the marks. The marks are illuminated for alignment and focusing purposes by light brought in on a diagonal path from an external white LED.

Abstract: A method for determining storage requirements includes receiving a plurality of files to be stored, classifying the plurality of files based on business value, classifying the plurality of files based on contractual obligations, classifying the plurality of files based on empirical characteristics, and determining a storage medium based on the classified business value, classified contractual obligation, and classified empirical characteristics. The method further includes determining storage requirements based on the determined storage mediums.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for flushing, washing, and priming microscale devices for reuse. Washing and priming methods include flowing solutions from a manifold to flush wells and microchannels of a microfluidic chip. Systems include manifolds adapted to seal and flow solutions or gasses into chip wells. Devices include microfluidic devices with data storage modules to track the reprocessing status of the microscale devices.

Abstract: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports or wells disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. First and second rings are preferentially disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and located circumferentially around each of the apertures of the cover layer. An annular groove is also preferentially disposed between the ring structures to help further minimize the leakage of adhesive or other bonding material into the ports or wells of the device when the cover layer is mated to the body structure.

Abstract: A method for classifying information includes determining a plurality of management characteristics for an information type, determining a plurality of business characteristics for the information type, determining at least one management tally for the information type based on the management characteristics, determining at least one business tally for the information type based on the business characteristics, and determining a global information class for the information type based on the management tally and the business tally. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for classifying information.

Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.