Abstract: Methods for delivery of caffeine, compositions including caffeine, and methods of making such compositions are disclosed. Generally, the method of delivering caffeine includes topically administering to a mucosal skin surface of a subject a dose of caffeine effective to increase alertness in the subject. The compositions generally include a lip balm base and caffeine. The methods of making the compositions generally include melting a lip balm base, dissolving caffeine in a solvent, adding the dissolved caffeine to the molten lip balm base, and allowing the lip balm base/caffeine mixture to cool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection article including at least one fluid control film layer having at least one microstructured major surface with a plurality of microchannels therein. The microchannels are configured for uninterrupted fluid flow of a fluid sample throughout the article. The film layer includes an acquisition zone for drawing the fluid sample into the plurality of microchannels at least by spontaneous fluid transport. The film layer also includes a detection zone having at least one detection element that facilitates detection of a characteristic of the fluid sample within at least one microchannel of the detection zone.

Abstract: A method for removing tattoos is disclosed. Generally, the method includes administering an IRM compound to the tattooed region. In some cases, the method also includes treating a tattooed area with a cell disrupter such as a laser beam.

Abstract: Articles including a polymeric substrate and an electrically conductive surface are provided. Methods of making and using such articles also are provided.

Abstract: Methods of preventing and/or treating UV-induced immunosuppression by administration of immune response modifier compounds are disclosed herein. Suitable immune response modifier compounds include agonists of one or more TLRs.

Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for low volume microarray processing are disclosed. The microarray devices preferably include a plurality of reactant sites on a reactant surface. The reactant sites include reactants that operate to capture one or more selected analytes that can then be detected based on an electromagnetic signal, e.g., fluorescence, that is emitted by each analyte in response to excitation energy incident on the microarray device. Mixing and/or distribution of the analyte sample over the reactant surface is accomplished by tilting the reactant surface such that the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface under the force of gravity. The tilting is performed such that a portion of the analyte sample accumulates in a bead along a first edge of the reactant surface. The reactant surface is then tilted in a different direction such that a portion of the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface and accumulates at a second edge.

Abstract: A method of treating dermal lesions caused by envenomation comprising applying a therapeutically effective amount of an immune response modifier compound selected from the group consisting of imidazoquinoline amines, imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines, imidazonaphthyridine amines, tetrahydroimidazonaphthyridine amines, oxazolopyridine amines, oxazoloquinoline amines, thiazolopyridine amines, thiazoloquinoline amines and 1,2-bridged imidazoquinoline amines to the site of the lesion is disclosed.

Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.

Abstract: Materials for use in miniaturized arrays, the arrays, and methods of manufacturing. Materials for making arrays described include a substrate with a silicon-containing layer, optionally with linking agents and reactants.

Abstract: The present invention provides drug delivery dressings having a fluid control film component that comprise a sheet having microchannels that permit directional flow of a liquid.

Abstract: Valve stems for use in an aerosol metering valve are described herein. The valve stems include structures designed to limit the likelihood and extent to which a gasket can intrude into an opening in the valve stem. The valve stems described herein also limit the likelihood and extent of damage to the gasket caused by repeated use of the metering valve.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for processing sample materials that may be presented in a standard microtiter plate are disclosed. The present invention provides a bridge between the standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. with their stationary wells and rotating sample processing devices that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the newer sample processing devices while retaining the benefits of the standard microtiter plate formats.

Abstract: High-density, miniaturized arrays including high surface areas. Arrays described include substrate with a coating of linking agents, as well as arrays with reactants affixed to the substrates. Methods of manufacturing high-density arrays of reactants. The methods include the use of oriented, heat shrink films and elastomeric materials. Methods of functionalizing a substrate with linking agents for subsequent affixation of reactants are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of detecting bacteria including the use of an immobilized enzyme substrate are provided.

Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: Surface coatings including azlactone-functional hydrogels and articles with the coatings disposed thereon are disclosed. Methods of making the coating and controlling the gellation time of the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isolating nucleic acid from a sample, preferably from a biological sample. This method involves applying the biological sample to a hydrophobic organic polymeric solid phase to selectively trap target nucleic acid and removing nucleic acid with a nonionic surfactant. Another method involves treating a hydrophobic organic polymeric material with a nonionic surfactant, washing the surface, and subsequently contacting the treated solid organic polymeric material with a biological sample to reduce the amount of nucleic acid that binds to the organic polymeric solid phase.

Abstract: Functionalized supports and methods for solid phase synthesis. Preferably, the functionalized support is azlactone-functionalized.