Abstract: 4-pyrrolylpyridine, a novel anion sensor, displays a substantial color loss upon addition of sodium sulfite in aqueous solvents. A variety of anions were tested, including halides, phosphates, sulfates, and hydroxide, but all solutions remained unchanged aside from the sulfite, which displayed bleaching. Described here is a method for which the exact concentration of sulfites in a consumer product can be determined. The test is sensitive over a broad range of sulfites, from 0.84 ppm to over 10,000 ppm, and is accurate with a standard deviation of ±0.01 ppm.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis system capable of sample preparation and processing can include at least one inlet channel having a non-fouling, slippery surface to autonomously transport a fluid sample to a chamber by a geometry of the at least one inlet channel. The at least one inlet channel can include a first end, which is open and exposed, and a second end connected to the chamber for mixing and reaction of the fluid sample, and the at least one inlet channel can include a converging or diverging angle.

Abstract: A chemical indicator solution, an apparatus, and a method for determining concentration of a chemical analyte is provided. In particular, the apparatus provides a simplified and low cost way to determine that a fluid sample contains a minimum recommended concentration of a chemical. Rather than using complex and expensive components or error-prone manual methods to prepare the solution and measure chemical concentrations, the apparatus may allow for the automatic measuring and mixing of the chemical components of the resulting solution through the unique geometry and layout of the apparatus. The resulting solution may contain a chemical indicator which allows for the detection of the concentration of the chemical analyte within the resulting solution using techniques such as color analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated sample preparation and processing of protein corona are described herein, as well as its application in the discovery of advanced diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: According to various embodiments described herein, a microfluidics-chip based purification device and system for Sanger-sequencing reactions is provided. The device and system allow for the introduction into a sequencing system of a cartridge containing purification technologies specific to the sequencing contaminants or sequencing method where the simplified purification solution of a cartridge allows automation of the sample purification process, reduced consumption of purification reagents, and consistency in sampling by reducing the sampling errors and artifacts. These various embodiments therefore solve the need for a microfluidics-chip-based, Sanger-sequencing reaction purification system for CE devices. The microfluidic chips described can be used as a PCR chip by reorganizing the on-chip reagents, reaction wells and work flow steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of NAFLD in a subject, and for the differential diagnosis of NASH or steatosis in a subject suffering from NAFLD, based on the determination in a sample of metabolic markers, particularly lipid metabolic markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods are described for determining the amount of metabolites of leflunomide in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying teriflunomide in a sample.

Abstract: A cap removal device and a thrombelastography device having same are disclosed. The cap removal device comprises a drive part (1), a connection shaft (2), and a cap removal member (3). The connection shaft (2) can move upward when driven by the drive part (1). The cap removal member (3) has an end (31) and the other end (32); the end (31) is pivotally connected to the connection shaft (2), so that when the connection shaft (2) moves upward when driven by the drive part (1), the cap removal member (3) rotates, due to the upward movement, around a pivot point (4) located between the end (31) and the other end (32) of the cap removal member (3), so that the other end (32) of the cap removal member (3) moves downward to contact a cap (5) to be removed, thereby removing the cap (5).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices may include the use of an RBC flocculant, for example polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit from the type of animal blood being evaluated, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal blood hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “ii” value for the collection device. A collection device with a BIP is disclosed. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic, chip-based assay device has been developed for measuring physical properties of an analyte (particularly, whole blood or whole blood derivatives). The technologies can be applied to measure clotting times of whole blood or blood derivatives, determine the effects of anticoagulant drugs on the kinetics of clotting/coagulation, as well as evaluate the effect of anticoagulant reversal agents. These technologies can additionally be used to optimize the dosage of anticoagulation drugs and/or their reversal agents. The assay is independent of the presence of anticoagulant; clotting is activated by exposure of the blood sample in the device to a glass (or other negatively charged material such as oxidized silicon) surface, which activates the intrinsic pathway and can be further hastened by the application of shear flow across the activating materials surface.

Abstract: Optical and electronic detection of chemicals, and particularly strong electron-donors, by 2H to 1T phase-based transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films, detection apparatus incorporating the TMD films, methods for forming the detection apparatus, and detection systems and methods based on the TMD films are provided. The detection apparatus includes a 2H phase TMD film that transitions to the 1T phase under exposure to strong electron donors. After exposure, the phase state can be determined to assess whether all or a portion of the TMD has undergone a transition from the 2H phase to the 1T phase. Following detection, TMD films in the 1T phase can be converted back to the 2H phase, resulting in a reusable chemical sensor that is selective for strong electron donors.

Abstract: Fluidic and electrofluidic devices comprising carbon nanotubes and methods of making and using the same are provided. The carbon nanotubes may be densely bundled to span an aperture in a substrate. A polymeric coating over the substrate may contain reservoir(s) etched therein, the reservoir(s) in fluid connectivity with the carbon nanotubes. X-rays may be directed through the aperture and fluid-filled carbon nanotubes with x-ray analysis providing data on fluid structure and dynamics inside the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the amount of metaldehyde in water, a water sample of known volume is mixed with an isotopologue, a colorimetric dye and Raman-scattering nanoparticles. The water sample contains an analyte, for example metaldehyde. Optionally, the analyte may be treated to form a compound reactive with the dye. The amount of the analyte is measured by producing a Raman spectrum of the mixture and performing a ratiometric analysis of the Raman spectrum to quantify the analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of detecting manganese in a solution using resacetophenone oxime by spectrophotometric analysis wherein the resacetophenone oxime produces colorimetric responses to indicate the presence of manganese. The resacetophenone oxime is not only stable in solution, but it also may be inserted into a hydrocolloid gel to facilitate a “spot test” for the detection of manganese, resulting in a long shelf life. These manganese testing methods disclosed herein may be used at the pre-disinfection process at water treatment facilities. The disclosed methods of manganese testing may be combined with an ammoniacal buffer reagent that may be used by water processing facilities, prior to final disinfection, to augment existing manganese (II) efforts of removal. A secondary flocculation with this buffer will scavenge additional manganese (II), that can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration.

Abstract: A collection device is disclosed having a tubular housing detachably receiving a valved bulb reservoir at a first end thereof, the housing having a second end for dispensing fluids. The valved bulb reservoir has a sample capillary tube attached at one end thereof. The bore of the capillary is fluidically coupled to the valved bulb reservoir. The capillary is removed from the tubular housing to collect a sample in its bore, and is then replaced into the tubular housing. The contents of the valved tubular reservoir, which can be a buffer solution, a reagent, or other analytic fluid, or a gas, are then passed through the capillary bore to expel the sample and mix therewith in the housing. The sample product can then be dispensed from the tubular housing.

Abstract: 3D nanochannel interleaved devices for molecular manipulation are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a device includes: forming a pattern on a substrate of alternating mandrels and spacers alongside the mandrels; selectively removing the mandrels from a front portion of the pattern forming gaps between the spacers; selectively removing the spacers from a back portion of the pattern forming gaps between the mandrels; filling i) the gaps between the spacers with a conductor to form first electrodes and ii) the gaps between the mandrels with the conductor to form second electrodes; and etching the mandrels and the spacers in a central portion of the pattern to form a channel (e.g., a nanochannel) between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are offset from one another across the channel, i.e., interleaved. A device formed by the method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “?” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Abstract: A method for reducing the variability, as measured by relative standard deviation (RSD), of an analytical testing technique is provided. This improvement in RSD improves the confidence in the values obtained during field testing. The method includes incorporating a focusing agent into the sampling media, which permits providing sampling media such as thermal desorption tubes preloaded with the focusing agent.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic apparatus and a method for separating a target cell using the same. The microfluidic apparatus for separating a first material in a biological sample from the biological sample, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, includes: a body rotatable on a rotation axis; a mixing chamber included in the body, wherein the biological sample and magnetic beads that are combined with a second material in the biological sample are mixed in the mixing chamber; a separation chamber included in the body and connected to the mixing chamber, wherein a mixed sample of the first material and the second material combined with the magnetic beads is separated in the separation chamber; and a magnetic member positioned on one side of the body outside the separation chamber, wherein, in the separation chamber, the first material is separated from the second material combined with the magnetic beads by a centrifugal force and a magnetic force.