Abstract: A composite rebar includes a cylindrical body having a cylindrical opening formed therethrough from a first end to an opposing second of the cylindrical body. The composite rebar is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer. The opening is cylindrical in shape and is arranged concentric with an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a method for managing event data. The method can include receiving an event comprising event data, at a processor, wherein the event data comprises a receipt image from a vendor associated with the event. The method can include generating, at a processor, a unique identifier associated with the event data. The method can comprise determining at a processor, at least one healthcare provider associated with the event. The method can comprise transmitting an email comprising the event data to at least one of: a healthcare provider associated with the event, an assistant to the healthcare provider, the at least one representative, and a vendor associated with the event. The method can comprise storing, in a memory, in association with the unique identifier, the event data.

Abstract: An electrical box includes an open end providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box, that is enclosed by a closed end and opposing sidewalls. The electrical box has an angled flange that is integrally molded to create a singular construct formulated from a polymer material. The angled flange is angled along the longitudinal axis relative to the upstanding sides of the electrical box and flattens completely when placed into a final installed position within an aperture within a structure to create a vapor seal between the electrical box and the structure. Also, the polymer material the flange is created from accommodates any small inconsistencies in dimensions, alignment and the like, so as to allow for fast and efficient installation.

Abstract: An electrical box includes an open end providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box, that is enclosed by a closed end and opposing sidewalls. The electrical box has an angled flange that is integrally molded to create a singular construct formulated from a polymer material. The angled flange is angled along the longitudinal axis relative to the upstanding sides of the electrical box and flattens completely when placed into a final installed position within an aperture within a structure to create a vapor seal between the electrical box and the structure. Also, the polymer material the flange is created from accommodates any small inconsistencies in dimensions, alignment and the like, so as to allow for fast and efficient installation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a method of stabilizing a molecule (e.g., a biomolecule) in a bodily fluid comprising: (1) providing a stabilizing solution comprising: (a) an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo))tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N?,N?-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001 M to about 2 M; and (b) an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, guanidinium chloride, guanidinium thiocyanate, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1 M to about 10 M; and (2) adding the stabilizing solution to the bodily fluid, thus stabilizing the molecule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for preserving and/or stabilizing a cell (e.g., a whole cell). A cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition may include a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and optionally a base (e.g., a purine base or a pyrimidine base). A cell stabilizing method may include contacting a cell with a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell stabilizing system may include a container suitable for receiving a sample containing a cell and a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell may be preserved and/or stabilized under ambient conditions (e.g., without refrigeration). A cell may include a protein, a nucleic acid, and/or another biomolecule marker of cell preservation and/or stabilization. A composition may be configured to preserve and/or stabilize one or more cells for analysis by flow cytometry and simultaneously preserve and/or stabilize one or more intracellular nucleic acids for molecular analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a method of stabilizing a molecule (e.g., a biomolecule) in a bodily fluid comprising: (1) providing a stabilizing solution comprising: (a) an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo))tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N?,N?-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001 M to about 2 M; and (b) an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, guanidinium chloride, guanidinium thiocyanate, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1 M to about 10 M; and (2) adding the stabilizing solution to the bodily fluid, thus stabilizing the molecule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for stabilizing a cell (e.g. a whole cell), a biomolecule, and/or a macromolecule. A biomaterial stabilizing composition may include a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, a base (e.g., a purine base or a pyrimidine base), and optionally a protease inhibitor and/or a kosmotrope. A biomaterial stabilizing method may include contacting a cell with a biomaterial stabilizing composition. A cell stabilizing system may include a container suitable for receiving a sample containing a cell and a biomaterial stabilizing composition. A cell may be stabilized under ambient conditions (e.g., without refrigeration). A cell may include a protein, a nucleic acid, and/or another biomolecule marker of cell stabilization. A composition may be configured to stabilize one or more cells for analysis by flow cytometry and simultaneously stabilize one or more intracellular nucleic acids for molecular analysis.

Abstract: Methods, systems and reagents are provided for preserving nucleic acids in a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, and amniotic fluid. The preservative includes an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, guanidine, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, guanidine thiocyanate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1M to about 2M and an amount of least one buffer component selected from the group consisting of Tris and HEPES.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a septum, e.g., for a sample container. A septum may comprise a first layer comprising a sheet of rubberized silicone compound and a second layer comprising a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene. A second layer may be bonded to a first layer. The present disclosure also relates, in some embodiments, to a septum assembly. A septum assembly may comprise, for example, a septum and a cap. A cap may have an aperture (e.g., to permit insertion and/removal of a sampling device) A septum may be fitted into a cap such that the second layer is adjacent to the aperture. In some embodiments, the present disclosure further relates to a storage assembly. A storage assembly may comprise, for example, a septum assembly and vessel configured and arranged to contain a sample therein. A vessel may be capped by the septum assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing masking agents from test samples, e.g., DNA-containing samples obtained from living subjects, when they are submitted for or subjected to molecular assays. The present invention allows molecular assays of nucleic acids in bodily fluids and excretions, such as urine, blood, blood serum, amniotic fluid, spinal fluid, conjunctival fluid, salivary fluid, vaginal fluid, stool, seminal fluid, and sweat to be carried out with greater sensitivity. The masking agents are suppressed by contacting a test sample with an amount of one or more divalent metal chelators and an amount of one or more chelator enhancing components. The amounts of the divalent metal chelator(s) and the chelator enhancing component(s) are selected such that interference of a masking agent on a molecular assay of a nucleic acid-containing test sample are suppressed, and upon contact with the divalent metal chelator(s)/chelator enhancing component(s), the masking agents are suppressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and systems for reducing and/or eliminating (“suppressing”) undesirable effects of a masking agent on a molecular assay. In addition, the present disclosure relates to molecular assays of nucleic acids in bodily fluids and/or excretions. Suppressing undesirable effects of a masking agent may include, according to some embodiments, contacting a test sample with a composition comprising a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and a buffer. A buffer, in some embodiments, may increase the concentration of chelators and/or chelator enhancing components that may be used without undesirable effects on a nucleic acid of interest (e.g., the integrity of the nucleic acid). In some embodiments, a buffer may enhance suppression of interference from masking agents.

Abstract: An improved method of preserving a molecule in a bodily fluid comprises: (1) providing a preservative solution comprising: (a) an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo))tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N?,N?-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001 M to about 2 M; and (b) an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, guanidinium chloride, guanidinium thiocyanate, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1 M to about 10 M; and (2) adding the preservative solution to the bodily fluid, thus preserving the molecule. The molecule can be a protein or a small molecule, such as a steroid. The invention also encompasses preservative compositions suitable for preserving proteins or small molecules, and kits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling work in a semiconductor fabrication facility is provided. The method includes determining a time period associated with processing of at least one wafer, determining at least one due time associated with processing of the at least one wafer, and scheduling the at least one wafer for processing based on the time period and the at least one due time.

Abstract: An improved method of preserving a molecule in a bodily fluid comprises: (1) providing a preservative solution comprising: (a) an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo))tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N?,N?-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001 M to about 2 M; and (b) an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, guanidinium chloride, guanidinium thiocyanate, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1 M to about 10 M; and (2) adding the preservative solution to the bodily fluid, thus preserving the molecule. The molecule can be a protein or a small molecule, such as a steroid. The invention also encompasses preservative compositions suitable for preserving proteins or small molecules, and kits.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preserving nucleic acids in a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, and amniotic fluid. The preservative includes an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′, N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), or salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001M to 0.1M; and an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from lithium chloride, guanidine, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1M to 2M.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing masking agents from test samples, e.g., DNA-containing samples obtained from living subjects, when they are submitted for or subjected to molecular assays. The present invention allows molecular assays of nucleic acids in bodily fluids and excretions, such as urine, blood, blood serum, amniotic fluid, spinal fluid, conjunctival fluid, salivary fluid, vaginal fluid, stool, seminal fluid, and sweat to be carried out with greater sensitivity. The masking agents are suppressed by contacting a test sample with an amount of one or more divalent metal chelators and an amount of one or more chelator enhancing components. The amounts of the divalent metal chelator(s) and the chelator enhancing component(s) are selected such that interference of a masking agent on a molecular assay of a nucleic acid-containing test sample are suppressed, and upon contact with the divalent metal chelator(s)/chelator enhancing component(s), the masking agents are suppressed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preserving nucleic acids in a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, and amniotic fluid. The preservative includes an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), or salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001M to 0.1M; and an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from lithium chloride, guanidine, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1M to 2M.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preserving nucleic acids in a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, and amniotic fluid. The preservative includes an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), or salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001M to 0.1M; and an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from lithium chloride, guanidine, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1M to 2M.