Abstract: A lateral flow assay device of the present disclosure has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The device also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. Flow control features that protrude horizontally into a chamber proximal to an outlet act to deflect the flow to the side of the chamber opposite from the outlet, prior to the flow entering the outlet. Such features can reduce the flow velocity of the sample fluid and increase the effective fluid flow path length, enhance mixing of reagents with a sample, and enabling more accurate control of fluid flow in the device.

Abstract: An automated method for performing an assay of the present disclosure can be performed in a microfluidic device that is a lateral flow device having numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. Each chamber can have a reagent recess proximal to an inlet end of the chamber. A reagent pellet formed in a reagent recess can be effectively mixed with a sample as the sample flows into the chamber. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with, for example, a chamber for performing an amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing dried and stable reagent:substrate complexes suitable for use in various types of assays. Also provided are dried reagent:substrate complexes produced by the method of the invention, as well as methods for their use to perform an assay.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers.

Abstract: Compounds having the structure ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl;R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently halogen or trihalomethyl; andR.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are halogen, cyano or nitro;are disclosed which have herbicidal activity. Herbicidal compositions comprising the compounds and a carrier are also disclosed, as are methods for controlling the growth of undesirable plants utilizing the compounds. Methods for the preparation of such compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tetrazolinone derivatives having substituted thereon an (optionally substituted) phenoxyphenyl moiety exhibit unexpectedly desirable pre- and post-emergent herbicidal as well as plant growth regulant activity. In addition, herbicidal and plant growth regulatory compositions comprising such novel compounds as well as methods of controlling the growth of weeds and regulating the growth of plants employing such novel compounds are shown. Moreover, a process for producing such compounds is also described.