Abstract: A biologic-adsorbent, e.g., protein-adsorbent, material is prepared by forming a polymeric substrate into structures having high surface area topography whose biologic adsorbing properties can be controlled. Biologic adsorption by these structures of optimized high surface area topography is increased by mild treating of the surfaces, e.g., by oxygen plasma, without substantially altering topography. Structures can have tailored geometric features including microstructures, e.g., pillars, with a diameter from 100 nm-50 ?m and height greater than 1 ?m.

Abstract: A biologic-adsorbent, e.g., protein-adsorbent, material is prepared by forming a polymeric substrate into structures having high surface area topography whose biologic adsorbing properties can be controlled. Biologic adsorption by these structures of optimized high surface area topography is increased by mild treating of the surfaces, e.g., by oxygen plasma, without substantially altering topography. Structures can have tailored geometric features including microstructures, e.g., pillars, with a diameter from 100 nm-50 ?m and height greater than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection and identification of different bacterial species, all of which cause zoonosis, based on DNA analysis. More specifically, the invention provides the primers, probes, genes and genic regions required to apply a method for the simultaneous detection of bacteria and bacterial groups belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia. Bartonella, Coxiella, Rickettsia and Francisella based on Multiple PCR analysis by RLB (Reverse Line Blotting), in addition to providing a kit to carry out said analysis.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic electronic device includes a micro-fluidic component and an electronic component formed on a sheet of paper. An electrically-active layer of the electronic component, such as a nano-material layer, interacts with a fluid sample deposited within a fluid reservoir of the component, and changes the electronic properties of the electronic component. This can be detected by passing an electrical signal through the electronic component. The micro-fluidic electronic device can be formed straightforwardly and inexpensively by printing or mold-casting.

Abstract: A polydioxanone film comprising substantially cylindrical polydioxanone pillars on at least one side thereof, said pillars having diameters from about 0.2 ?m to about 3 ?m, and heights from about 2 ?m to about 20 ?m from the surface of the film, a process for adsorbing proteins using the film and medical devices incorporating the film.

Abstract: A portable electrophoretic contactless conductivity detection (C4D) system for analysis on a microfluidic chip houses in one embodiment a fluidic compartment for receiving the microfluidic chip, and four detection electrodes: first and second emitting electrodes, and first and second receiving electrodes. The first emitting electrode and the first receiving electrode are adjacent to a first channel wall of the microfluidic chip, and the second emitting electrode and the second receiving electrode are adjacent to a second channel wall, where the second channel wall is opposite to the first channel wall. In an embodiment, the electrodes are provided as portions of a removable cartridge cell.

Abstract: A laminate and process of making the laminate is disclosed comprising: a surgical mesh having first and second surfaces; and an adhesive structure having adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces, wherein the non-adhesive surface of the adhesive structure is laminated to at least one of said first and second surfaces of said surgical mesh, and the adhesive surface of said adhesive structure has protrusions extending therefrom comprising a resin having a Young's modulus of greater than 17 MPa, which protrusions are of sufficiently low diameter to promote adhesion by increasing physical attractive forces between the adhesive structure and a target surface, as measured by shear adhesion.

Abstract: An adhesive structure is provided comprising a surface from which extend substantially cylindrical protrusions comprising a stiff resin having a Young's modulus of greater than 17 MPa. The protrusions are of sufficiently low diameter to promote adhesion by physical attractive forces, e.g., Van der Waals attractive forces, as measured by shear adhesion between the adhesive structure and a target surface. A method for preparing the structure is provided as well as a combination of the adhesive structure and target surface.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: A method of forming a high aspect ratio adhesive structure, the method comprising fabricating a porous template comprising at least a first tier and a second tier; introducing a softened polymer into the template; and separating the polymer from the template.

Abstract: A method of making a substrate having multi-layered structures thereon, the method comprising the steps of (a) applying a mold having an imprint forming surface to the substrate to form an array of imprint structures that projects from the substrate; and (b) applying a lateral force that is substantially normal to said projecting imprint structures to cause said imprint structures to move angularly towards said substrate and thereby form a pattern of multi-layered structures thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte, said method comprising (a) coupling the analyte to a carrier molecule, wherein the carrier molecule is larger in size, electrically charged and/or polar, to form an analyte:carrier molecule complex; (b) contacting the analyte:carrier molecule complex of (a) with an analyte-binding molecule coupled to a semiconducting nanostructure; and (c) determining the change in conductance upon binding of the analyte:carrier molecule complex to the analyte-binding molecule and correlating the determined change in conductance to the presence or amount of the analyte. Alternatively, the analyte:carrier molecule complex of (a) is immobilized on the nanostructure and the immobilized analyte:carrier molecule complex is contacted with the analyte-binding molecule.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface for inhibiting adhesion of a target cell thereon, the substrate comprising an array of generally longitudinal projections having a longitudinal axis that extends from the surface of said substrate and having an aspect ratio of at least 2.5, wherein adjacent projections of said array are configured on the substrate such that the projections at least partially inhibit adhesion of a target cell thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection and identification of bacterial species belonging to the genera Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Bartonella, and also provides triggers and probes required for its application, as well as associated kits.

Abstract: The contactless conductivity detector in one embodiment includes a microfluidic chip having a channel (102) thereon and four detection electrodes: first and second emitting electrodes (100a, 101a), and first and second receiving electrodes (100b, 101b). The channel (102) is defined by channel walls. The first emitting electrode (100a) and the first receiving electrode (100b) are adjacent a first channel wall, and the second emitting electrode (101a) and the second receiving electrode (101b) are adjacent a second channel wall, the second channel wall being opposite the first channel wall.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection and identification of different bacterial species, all of which cause zoonosis, based on DNA analysis. More specifically, the invention provides the primers, probes, genes and genic regions required to apply a method for the simultaneous detection of bacteria and bacterial groups belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia. Bartonella, Coxiella, Rickettsia and Francisella based on Multiple PCR analysis by RLB (Reverse Line Blotting), in addition to providing a kit to carry out said analysis.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable focus fluid lens wherein the focal length is controllable by changing the contact angle of a fluid meniscus. A liquid (20), such as water, is filled in a tubular housing (10) with an internal surface including adjacent hydrophilic (40) and hydrophobic (30) areas or regions, wherein the boundary between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions constrains the liquid (20) and presents a meniscus (50) having a curvature defined, in part, by the static contact angle at the boundary. When a control pressure is applied to the liquid (20), the curvature of the meniscus (50) varies as the contact angle of the liquid changes at the boundary.

Abstract: Products of a general formula (I) and their use in the manufacture of medicines useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or, in general, any disease or pathology produced by alterations of biological functions that can be treated or therapeutically modified by these products.