Abstract: Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of determining a first concept from a text of a medical record from an electronic health record system, the first concept relating to a patient, identifying a match to the first concept in a first list of concepts, wherein the first list of concepts is not a predetermined authority, referencing the first concept with an entity in a database of related concepts, identifying a match to a second concept in a second list of concepts, the second list of concepts not directly linked to the first list of concepts except by a relationship to the entity, wherein the second list of concepts is the predetermined authority, and providing the second concept as an identifier of the patient's medical record.

Abstract: Articles and methods for collecting and/or facilitating transfer of fluids are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article comprises a fluid collection region for introducing a fluid, such as a sample (e.g., blood sample) or a reagent, into a fluidic system. The articles and methods described herein may be useful for facilitating the filling of relatively small channels with a fluid, such as channels of a microfluidic device. The articles and methods may, for example, interface with a patient sample (e.g., a droplet of blood), or with a macroscopic fluid source such as a pipette or syringe. In certain embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the ease of collecting a fluidic sample from a patient, prevent or reduce spillage of the fluidic sample, reduce contamination of a fluidic sample, and/or prevent or reduce air from entering a fluidic sample or device compared to certain existing fluid collection devices.

Abstract: Articles and methods for collecting and/or facilitating transfer of fluids are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article comprises a fluid collection region for introducing a fluid, such as a sample (e.g., blood sample) or a reagent, into a fluidic system. The articles and methods described herein may be useful for facilitating the filling of relatively small channels with a fluid, such as channels of a microfluidic device. The articles and methods may, for example, interface with a patient sample (e.g., a droplet of blood), or with a macroscopic fluid source such as a pipette or syringe. In certain embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the ease of collecting a fluidic sample from a patient, prevent or reduce spillage of the fluidic sample, reduce contamination of a fluidic sample, and/or prevent or reduce air from entering a fluidic sample or device compared to certain existing fluid collection devices.

Abstract: A system and method for intercepting commands issued to a host server. An agent is installed on the host server and configured to intercept commands issued to the host server and to transmit indications of said commands to a collector for logging and evaluation. The collector includes rules for determining whether a command issued to the host is to be blocked. Collector rules may be informed by supplementary information from third party information systems. The agent queries the collector for whether a command is to be blocked, and also include rules for blocking commands without evaluation by the collector. Indications of intercepted commands are stored by the collector in databases accessible by an administrator for monitoring activity on the host server and for configuring rules for blocking commands issued to the server.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods associated with mixing of fluids in fluidic devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method may involve the mixing of two or more fluids in a channel segment of a fluidic device. The fluids may be in the form of, for example, at least first, second and third fluid plugs, composed of first, second, and third fluids, respectively. The second fluid may be immiscible with the first and third fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid plugs may be flowed in series in the channel segment, e.g., in linear order, causing the first and third fluids to mix without the use of active components such as mixers. The mixing of fluids in a channel segment as described herein may allow for improved performance and simplification in the design and operations of fluidic devices that rely on mixing of fluids.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of determining a first concept from a text of a medical record from an electronic health record system, the first concept relating to a patient, identifying a match to the first concept in a first list of concepts, wherein the first list of concepts is not a predetermined authority, referencing the first concept with an entity in a database of related concepts, identifying a match to a second concept in a second list of concepts, the second list of concepts not directly linked to the first list of concepts except by a relationship to the entity, wherein the second list of concepts is the predetermined authority, and providing the second concept as an identifier of the patient's medical record.

Abstract: A system and method for intercepting commands issued to a host server. An agent is installed on the host server and configured to intercept commands issued to the host server and to transmit indications of said commands to a collector for logging and evaluation. The collector includes rules for determining whether a command issued to the host is to be blocked. Collector rules may be informed by supplementary information from third party information systems. The agent queries the collector for whether a command is to be blocked, and also include rules for blocking commands without evaluation by the collector. Indications of intercepted commands are stored by the collector in databases accessible by an administrator for monitoring activity on the host server and for configuring rules for blocking commands issued to the server.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods including those that provide storage and/or facilitate fluid handling of reagents are provided. Fluidic devices described herein may include channel segments positioned on two sides of an article, optionally connected by an intervening channel passing through the article. The channel segments may be used to store reagents in the device prior to first use by an end user. The stored reagents may include fluid plugs positioned in linear order so that during use, as fluids flow to a reaction site, they are delivered in a predetermined sequence. The specific geometries of the channel segments and the positions of the channel segments within the fluidic devices described herein may allow fluid reagents to be stored for extended periods of time without mixing, even during routine handling of the devices such as during shipping of the devices, and when the devices are subjected to physical shock or vibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for intercepting commands issued to a host server. An agent is installed on the host server and configured to intercept commands issued to the host server and to transmit indications of said commands to a collector for logging and evaluation. The collector includes rules for determining whether a command issued to the host is to be blocked. Collector rules may be informed by supplementary information from third party information systems. The agent queries the collector for whether a command is to be blocked, and also include rules for blocking commands without evaluation by the collector. Indications of intercepted commands are stored by the collector in databases accessible by an administrator for monitoring activity on the host server and for configuring rules for blocking commands issued to the server.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

Abstract: An improved railway car axle has a generally hollow cylindrical elongated body. The axle includes a journal near either end adapted to receive a bearing, and a dust guard adjacent the journals. A wheel seat is adjacent the dust guard and is adapted to receive a railway wheel thereon. The axial center interior portion of the railway axle is generally hollow. The railway axle is comprised of a steel with specified alloy range, mechanical properties and is of specified internal and external dimensions to allow the axle to be formed in a forging operation and to be utilized in heavy haul railway freight car service.

Abstract: Data center systems are described. A router can receive a data packet having a header indicating the destination for that data packet. That router can then route the data packet to another, second router. The routers can consider different portions of the header when making their routing decisions. For example, the different portions can be different sizes to allow for the first router to perform less complex routing decisions while the second router can perform more complex routing decisions.

Abstract: A lid for covering the open end of a beverage container (e.g. a container of coffee) having: an annular base adapted to detachably and sealably engage with the circumference of a drinking edge of a container; an elevated portion projecting upwardly from the annular base; and a spout; the lid arranged and formed such that when in use with a container containing liquid and wherein the lid is securely fitted to the container a user is able to move the spout between a closed configuration which closes the open end of a container such that liquid is substantially prevented from escaping from the container and a drinking configuration which allows a user to drink the liquid contained within the container and also wherein in use the lid is adapted such that a user can squeeze the container or the elevated portion which results in the spout moving from a closed configuration to a drinking configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for dynamically responding to demand for server computing resources. The embodiments can monitor performance of each of multiple computing systems in a data center, identify a particular computing system of the multiple computing systems for allocation of additional computing power, determine availability of an additional power supply to allocate to the identified computing system, determine availability of a capacity on a power distribution line connected to the particular computing system to provide the additional power supply to the particular computing system, and allocate the additional computing power to the identified computing system as a function of the determined availability of the additional power supply and the determined availability of the capacity on the power distribution line.