Abstract: Devices and methods for sampling, detecting and/or characterizing particles, for example, via collection, growth and analysis of viable biological particles such as microorganisms. Devices and methods of the invention include particle samplers and impactors including a sampling head comprising one or more intake apertures, a selectively removable cover, an impactor base connected to the sampling head, and one or more magnets fixed to the sampling head, the selectively removable cover and/or the impactor base. The one or more magnets allow for robotic manipulation of the impactor devices.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods allowing for automated sampling and/or analysis of controlled environments, for example, to determine the presence, quantity, size, concentration, viability, species or characteristics of particles within the environment. The described systems and methods may utilize robotics or automation or remove some or all of the collection or analysis steps that are traditionally performed by human operators. The methods and systems described herein are versatile and may be used with known particle sampling and analysis techniques and particle detection devices including, for example, optical particle counters, impingers and impactors.

Abstract: A cascadable modem apparatus includes a modem housing having a top and a bottom. A plurality of angled feet are attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion of each foot. The feet serve both to support the modem on an platform as well as to attach the modem to a similarly configured, adjacent modem assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of receiving slots are defined in the housing top and are correspondingly disposed to receive the distal portions of a plurality of angled feet from an adjacent modem housing. In this way, insertion of the distal portions of the feet snugly into the receiving slots of an adjacent modem effectively attaches the two adjacent modem assemblies. Preferably, a resilient locking tab is attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion directed away from the housing bottom. As a result, the tab is responsive to force applied to the distal portion to flex inwardly toward the housing bottom.

Abstract: The alkylangelicins according to the invention are obtained starting from an umbelliferone, in which the 6-position is already substituted by an alkyl group; in such a way the 7-allyloxy or 7-acyloxy umbelliferone intermediates can form by transposition of the allyl or acyl group only the 8-allyl and 8-acyl derivatives, and therefore the presence, even in traces, of psoralens is absolutely excluded in the subsequent synthetic steps.The 6-alkylangelicins thus obtained are particularly usable for the photochemotherapy of psoriasys and of other skin diseases characterized by cellular hyperproliferation, as well as for the photochemotherapy of vitiligo and of alopecia aerata.

Abstract: The alkylangelicins according to the invention are obtained starting from an umbelliferone, in which the 6-position is already substituted by an alkyl group; in such a way the 7-allyloxy or 7-acyloxy umbelliferone intermediates can form by transposition of the allyl or acyl group only the 8-allyl and 8-acyl derivatives, and therefore the presence, even in traces, of psoralens is absolutely excluded in the subsequent synthetic steps.The 6-alkylangelicins thus obtained are particularly usable for the photochemotherapy of psoriasys and of other skin diseases characterized by cellular hyperproliferation, as well as for the photochemotherapy of vitiligo and of alopecia aerata.