Abstract: Reagents and methods are provided for detecting the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for producing a labeled amplification product by amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence to produce an amplification product comprising the target sequence, a first probe-binding sequence 5? to the target sequence, and a second probe-binding sequence 3? to the target sequence, thereby producing an amplification product; and hybridizing a first detection probe to the amplification product, said first detection probe comprising a first segment that hybridizes to the first probe-binding sequence and a second segment that hybridizes to the second probe-binding sequence, thereby producing a labeled amplification product is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are cartridges and systems for effecting automated extraction, isolation, and purification of cellular components—such as nucleic acids—from a cellular sample in assay-ready form. Also provided are related methods of effecting such sample processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides inter alia, cooperative probe assays for analyzing and identifying biological substances.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to enantiomerically enriched (R)-2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanol and (S)-2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanol. The chiral alcohols are synthesized in enantiomerically enriched form by the reaction of 2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanone using a chiral oxazaborolidine catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of distributing music comprising creating a structured audio file from an audio track, the audio track having two portions, the first portion comprising data to reproduce a lower quality version of the audio track by a media player and data in a second portion that can be used to reproduce a higher quality version of the audio track.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for determining the presence of a target analyte using a portable device are provided. The portable device is preferably hand-held. A sample is injected to the portable device. A microfluidic separation is performed within the portable device and at least one separated component detected by a detection module within the portable device, in embodiments of the invention. A target analyte is identified, based on the separated component, and the presence of the target analyte is indicated on an output interface of the portable device, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for performing aptamer preselection based on unique geometry and the content of stems or loops of the aptamer, which methods are capable of providing suitable binders and also permit selection of aptamers performed essentially entirely on a chip or other device. Also disclosed are kits for aptamer selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are microflulidic chips that include a plurality of vias; a functionalized porous polymer monolith capable of being in fluid communication with a via; a microarray capable of being in fluid communication with the functionalized porous polymer monolith; and an observation port through which at least one target disposed within the microarray is capable of being detected. The disclosed microfluidic chips contain microarrays that can be effectively coupled to functionalized porous polymer monoliths for capturing and concentrating sample nucleic acids. Also disclosed are microfluidic chips containing microarray probes having observation ports that enable the preparation of microarrays and the detection of targets. These microfluidic chips are capable of capturing and concentrating genetic material for the analysis and identification of biological organisms, such as so-called “threat genes” from chimeric bioweapons.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and processes for the collection and identification of macromolecules, such as biologically-derived macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids), by measuring and comparing the molecular weight signatures of macromolecular samples. Reproducible molecular weight signatures provides reliable sample identification. In the case of viruses, proteomic molecular weight signatures can be used for identifying viral agents.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for determining the presence of a target analyte using a portable device are provided. The portable device is preferably hand-held. A sample is injected to the portable device. A microfluidic separation is performed within the portable device and at least one separated component detected by a detection module within the portable device, in embodiments of the invention. A target analyte is identified, based on the separated component, and the presence of the target analyte is indicated on an output interface of the portable device, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is a kite intended for use at night which is provided with a battery operated power supply activating one or more black lights directed to the front surface of the kite, the black light causing a fluoroluminescent display on the front surface of the kite to be illuminated, while the rest of the front surface, being a non-luminescent material of coating, shows only the fluoroluminescent display causing such display to appear to be flying without being able to see the kite.

Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic portable misting apparatus for providing a comfortable region within a relatively hot, dry environment. The misting apparatus includes a pressurizable fluid tank, an automatic air compressor mounted to the fluid tank, a fluid conduit having a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals along the conduit for distributing water in the form of a corresponding number of fine spray streams, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid tank to the fluid conduit. The misting apparatus of the present invention is fully portable, easy to operate, easy to maintain, unobtrusive and economical.