Abstract: A method of recovering a bead support from an emulsion includes supplying an aqueous surfactant solution into a centrifuge tube; supplying a hydrophobic liquid over the surfactant solution in the centrifuge tube, wherein a ratio of the volume of the aqueous surfactant solution to the volume of the hydrophobic liquid is not greater than 0.5; and applying an emulsion over the hydrophobic liquid while centrifuging, the emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase including the bead support, the emulsion breaking and material of the dispersed phase preferentially partitioning to the surfactant solution.

Abstract: Efficient methods for production of targeted libraries from complex samples is desirable for a variety of nucleic acid analyses. Provided are methods of selectively blocking abundant targets present in a sample for preparing libraries of target nucleic acid sequences, thereby allowing for rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries and analysis of low frequency sequences, including sequencing applications. Methods optionally include use of unique tag sequences. Methods comprise contacting a nucleic acid sample with a plurality of target specific primers or adapters capable of amplification of one or more target nucleic acid sequences under conditions wherein the target nucleic acid(s) undergo a first amplification; digesting the resulting first amplification products; ligating the digested target amplicons or repairing the digested target amplicons; and amplifying the ligated or repaired products in a second amplification, thereby producing a library of target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes: a tubular compression collar having a tubular body made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material and having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface; an end of a tube disposed within a throughway of the compression collar; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube. The tube fitting includes: a tubular stem; a flange radially outwardly projecting from an exterior surface of the stem; and an annular barb encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the stem, the annular barb including a frustoconical outside face that extends along and outwardly slopes away from the stem as the outside face extends toward the flange. The compression collar radially inwardly compresses the tube against the annular barb of the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tube fitting.

Abstract: A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passage. A tube fitting is inserted within the passage of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to the extraction of nucleic acid from solid materials. Provided are useful compositions, methods, and kits for obtaining nucleic acids from a solid biological sample or an adhesive material having a biological material adherent or embedded within the adhesive substrate. The extracted nucleic acid can be used in downstream applications such as genotyping, detection, quantification, and identification of the source of the biological material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for nucleic acid polymerization. In particular, modified polymerases and biologically active fragments thereof are provided that allow for nucleic acid amplification. In some aspects, the disclosure provides modified polymerases having lower systematic error as compared to a reference polymerase. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, copy number variation analysis, paired-end sequencing and other forms of genetic analysis. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for the generation of nucleic acid libraries or nucleic acid templates. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to the identification of homologous amino acid mutations that can be transferred across classes or families of polymerases to provide novel polymerases with altered properties.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a plurality of biological sample volumes comprises emitting, along an excitation optical path toward a sample holder holding the plurality of biological sample volumes, electromagnetic radiation from a broadband LED, wherein the broadband LED emits the electromagnetic radiation across a range of wavelengths at a total output power of at least 5 watts and at a maximum intensity at a wavelength less than 600 nanometers and at an intensity less than 30 percent of the maximum intensity at a wavelength of 650 or 670 nanometers, and receiving, by a sensor, an electromagnetic emission transmitted from the sample holder along an emission optical path.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequence mapping/assembly methods are disclosed. The methods initially map only a contiguous portion of each read to a reference sequence and then extends the mapping of the read at both ends of the mapped contiguous portion until the entire read is mapped (aligned). In various embodiments, a mapping score can be calculated for the read alignment using a scoring function, score (i, j)=M+mx, where M can be the number of matches in the extended alignment, x can be the number of mismatches in the alignment, and m can be a negative penalty for each mismatch. The mapping score can be utilized to rank or choose the best alignment for each read.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving an ensemble of sequencing reads based on measurements from a plurality of microwells of a sensor array; assigning measured values to the ensemble of sequencing reads; calculating model-predicted values utilizing a predictive model of nucleotide incorporations resulting from flows of nucleotide species according to a predetermined order; modifying at least some model-predicted values using a first bias for forward strands and a second bias for reverse strands, the modifying based on variations between model-predicted values for different hypothesized sequences obtained using the predictive model of nucleotide incorporations resulting from the flows of nucleotide species according to the predetermined order; calculating a measurement confidence value for each read in the ensemble of sequencing reads, the confidence value representing variations between the measured values and the modified model-predicted values; and identifying a plurality of reads in the ensemble as corresponding t

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated biocontainment cell sorter that isolates portions of the cell sorter that can create contamination. Two containment systems are utilized. A main cabinet containment system contains input samples. An aerosol management containment area includes a nozzle chamber with a nozzle and a sort chamber with sort plates and collection media that collect a droplet stream from the nozzle. The main cabinet is maintained at a first low pressure and clean air is recirculated under a positive pressure. The aerosol management containment area is kept at a second low pressure, which is lower than the first pressure, so that contamination does not leak from the aerosol management containment area into the main cabinet containment area. A sliding sash window is located over an access opening in the main cabinet and can be moved to access different portions of the main cabinet without changing the substantially constant first low pressure in the main cabinet.

Abstract: A method of music therapy informed processes provides an effective online process to help a user regulate their mood through appropriate music selection choices. The method offers mood and music assessments to evaluate the user's mood, music preferences, goals, and understanding of the correlation between various moods and music. A mood sequence formula (MSF) is subsequently created to generate stylized and personalized music medicine pill (MMP) playlists. With additional recommendations of music exercise routine/regimen (MER) to the user, the method delivers therapeutic MMP playlists of the music therapy informed process with personalized music to manage physiological and behavioral responses, emotional regulation, performance and emotional intelligence. Using daily tracking and specific measurement data of biometrical and physiological devices, the user can track the progress and thus enable the method to fine tune the MSF and MMP playlists for the best effectiveness of the music therapy informed method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-stage fluidics system that has reduced pulsation. This system uses inexpensive peristaltic pumps and two reservoirs that dampen pulsations in pressure. Peristaltic pumps are used as air pressure pumps and sheath fluid pumps that are placed between the two pressurized reservoirs and isolate the two reservoirs. Since the two reservoirs are maintained at a substantially even pressure, pulsations are reduced so that the peristaltic pumps essentially provide air flow and sheath fluid flow as needed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems useful in the determination and evaluation of the immune repertoire. In one aspect, methods provide for determining convergence of T cell receptor beta and T cell receptor gamma repertoires in samples prior to a treatment and predicting a subject's response to the treatment. In another aspect, methods provide predicting a subject's potential or predisposition to be protected from or vulnerable to an adverse event following a treatment.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method is provided that comprises washing an array of DNA-coated beads on a substrate, with a wash solution to remove stacked beads from the substrate. The wash solution can include inert solid beads in a carrier. The DNA-coated beads can have an average diameter and the solid beads in the wash solution can have an average diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the DNA-coated beads. The washing can form dislodged DNA-coated beads and a monolayer of DNA-coated beads. In some embodiments, first beads for forming an array are contacted with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution comprising a PEG having a molecular weight of about 350 Da or less. In some embodiments, slides for forming bead arrays are provided as are systems for imaging the same.

Abstract: A system for separating biological molecules includes a plurality of capillaries, a capillary mount, a plurality of optical fibers, a fiber mount, an optical detector, and a motion stage. The plurality of capillaries are configured to separate biological molecules in a sample. Each capillary comprising a detection portion configured to pass electromagnetic radiation into the capillary. The plurality of capillaries are coupled to the capillary mount such that the detection portions are fixedly located relative to one another. Each optical fiber includes a receiving end to receive emissions. The optical fibers are coupled to the fiber mount such that the receiving ends of the optical fibers are fixedly located relative to one another. The optical detector is configured to produce an alignment signal. The motion stage is configured to align the receiving ends of the optical fibers to the detection portions based on values of the alignment signal.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods that allow for brightfield imaging in a flow cytometer, allowing for collection of fluorescence and high-quality image date. The disclosed technology also gives rise to an illumination pattern that allows a user to create different oblique or structured illumination profiles within a static system. With the disclosed approach, a user can illuminate a sample from a first direction (e.g., with laser illumination configured to give rise to one or more of fluorescence information and scattering information), collect scattering information from a second direction, collect fluorescence information from a third direction, and capture an image of the sample from a fourth direction. (Two or more of the foregoing can be accomplished simultaneously.) Also as described elsewhere herein, an illumination used to illuminate the sample for visual image capture can be communicated to the same through a lens that also collects fluorescence from the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods and kits for amplifying target nucleic acids while reducing non-specific amplification and undesired amplification products using a dual hot start reaction mixture that comprise at least two different hot start mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for processing a fluid includes removably securing a retention member to a vessel that bounds a chamber; inserting a collapsible bag within the chamber of the vessel; securing the bag to the retention member so that the bag is supported within the chamber of the vessel; and dispensing a fluid into a compartment of the collapsible bag supported within the chamber of the vessel. The fluid can be mixed within bag while the bag is disposed within the vessel.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for culturing cells within a cell culture vessel having a mixing element. The cell culture system includes a flexible portion and a mixing element disposed therein. The mixing element includes a suspended foldable portion. The system is configured to reduce shear stress on cells without compromising mixing efficiency. This reduction is accomplished by using a mixing element having a large surface area allowing for reduced rotational speeds. The system is collapsible for ease of transport and disposal. The flexible portion collapses and the foldable portion folds to minimize the volume of the system while not in operation.