Abstract: A method for simultaneously determining a genetic expression profile for an individual member of a species relative to an entire standard genome for the species. The method can comprise distributing a liquid sample into an array of reaction chambers of a substrate. The array can comprise a primer set and a probe for each polynucleotide target along the entire standard genome. The liquid sample can comprise substantially all genetic material of the member. Each of the reaction chambers can comprise the primer set and the probe for at least one of the polynucleotide targets and a polymerase. The method can further comprise amplifying the liquid sample in the array, detecting a signal emitted by at least one of the probes, and identifying the genetic expression profile in response to the signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for localizing a target for radiotherapy based on digital tomosynthesis are provided. According to one method, DTS verification image data of a target located within or on a patient is generated. The DTS verification image data is compared with DTS reference image data of the target. Radiotherapy positioning information is determined based on the comparison of the DTS verification and reference image data.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting analytes in a sample is provided. The apparatus can include: a flow cytometry system including one or more detection zones; one or more irradiation sources disposed for irradiating the one or more detection zones with radiation; at least one detector disposed for collecting charges corresponding to light signals emitted from detectable analytes in the one or more detection zones, which have been excited by the radiation, wherein at least one detector includes an output; a system coupled to the at least one detector for effecting time delay integration of the charges by accumulating the charges before reading the charges at the output of the at least one detector; and a sorting mechanism, for example, to effect flow cytometry. Methods for detecting analytes in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A device for performing polymerase chain reactions using cooling members not used in conventional thermal cyclers. A device for performing polymerase chain reactions may include a sample holder configured to receive a nucleic acid sample, a heating system configured to raise the temperature of the sample, a cooling system configured to lower the temperature of the sample, and a controller configured to operably control the heating system and the cooling system to cycle the device through a desired time-temperature profile. The cooling system may comprise at least one cooling member selected from a synthetic jet ejector array, a vibration-induced droplet atomization system, a vibrating diaphragm system, a piezo fan, a Cold Gun, a microchannel cooling loop, and a Cool Chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting analytes in a sample are provided. The apparatus can include: one or more channels having a detection zone; one or more irradiation sources disposed for irradiating the detection zone with radiation; a detector capable of collecting at least one charge corresponding to an emission beam emitted from the detection zone, the detector having an output; and a time delay integration system coupled to the detector for effecting time delay integration of the at least one charge by accumulating the at least one charge before reading the at least one charge at the output of the detector. Various embodiments provide an apparatus with a multi-notch filter. Various embodiments provide a solid state laser, a micro-wire laser, or an organic light-emitting diode as a irradiation source.

Abstract: A device for performing biological analysis may include at least one reaction chamber configured to receive at least one sample for biological analysis and a thermal system configured to modulate a temperature of the at least one reaction chamber to cycle a temperature of the at least one biological sample. The thermal system may include a cooling system configured to cool the at least one reaction chamber. The cooling system may include a cooling fluid source positioned distally from the at least one reaction chamber, the cooling fluid source being in flow communication with at least one conduit configured to flow cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to at least one location in thermal communication with the at least one reaction chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for localizing a target for radiotherapy based on digital tomosynthesis are provided. According to one method, DTS verification image data of a target located within or on a patient is generated. The DTS verification image data is compared with DTS reference image data of the target. Radiotherapy positioning information is determined based on the comparison of the DTS verification and reference image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light illuminates the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus includes an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of a signal.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing contributions to signal noise associated with charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis. Dark current contribution, readout offset contribution, photo response non-uniformity, and spurious charge contribution can be determined by the methods of the present teachings and used for signal correction by systems of the present teachings.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings relate to a system or method for sample preparation or analysis in biochemical or molecular biology procedures. The sample preparation can involve small volume processed in discrete portions or segments or slugs, herein referred to as discrete volumes. A molecular biology procedure can be nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid analysis can be an integrated DNA amplification/DNA sequencing procedure.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing the temperature of an LED is provided. A method is provided that includes providing a system comprising an LED, a reaction region, and a sample in the reaction region; generating excitation beams with the LED; directing excitation beams to the sample; detecting an optical property of the sample to obtain detection data; measuring the operating temperature of the light emitting diode; and adjusting the detection data of an excitation beam characteristic shift related to the operating temperature, when the LED is operated at the operating temperature to generate the excitation beams.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for fluidically controlling, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise combinations of detectors, controllers, valves, and fluid supply units to control the spatial size, location and/or fluidic composition of discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing adjustments of various parameters associated with the operation of charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis devices. Gate voltage signal applied to the CCDs can be adjusted to advantageously affect the manner in which charge is transferred from pixels. The manner in which transferred charges from the pixels are processed in a readout process can also be adjusted to advantageously change the speed of the CCD based detector. Various methods of performing such adjustments are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for sample preparation that can be used for biochemical and/or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, micro volumes or smaller. Methods and systems that can reduce sample size requirements and increase the number of samples on a substrate are provided. Samples can be applied to a plate or other appropriate substrate and can be used for, inter alia, sequencing reactions. In some embodiments, apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for charged analyte collection are provided. Charged analytes in a sample can be electrokinetically collected or extracted from a conduit through a hole formed in a sidewall of the conduit, by application of an electric field that causes the charged analytes to migrate in a direction that is transverse to the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light illuminates the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus includes an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region. The first signal has wavelengths effectively different from the wavelengths of the portion of the light emitted by the LEDs that illuminates the illumination region.

Abstract: A fluid processing device and methods are provided that can process one or many different fluid samples, detection for each of which can be multiplexed to detect the presence or absence of each of a panel of target sequences, for example 20 different target sequences. The device can comprise a substrate and one or more fluid processing pathways at least partially defined by the substrate. Each fluid processing pathway can comprise a pre-amplification region and two or more amplification regions disposed downstream from and in fluid communication with the pre-amplification region. A burstable valve can be disposed along each fluid processing pathway and the downstream regions can contain pre-loaded ammonia gas to draw an amplified sample downstream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having at least one wall, and one or more loops in heat-transfer communication with the at least one wall. Each of the loops can comprise an electrical conductor that surrounds the same or a different fluid retainment region. A device is provided that comprises one or more fluid retainment regions each having particulates disposed therein. A system is provided that includes a platen adapted to hold a device including fluid retainment regions and one or more electrical conductors in heat-transfer communication with the fluid retainment regions. Methods of heating a sample are also provided.