Abstract: An implantable nanosensor includes a stent to be implanted inside a fluid conduit. The stent has a well in a surface of the stent. The implantable nanosensor further includes a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate disposed in the well. The nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate is to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of a presence of an analyte in a fluid carried by the fluid conduit when interrogated by an optical stimulus signal.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyltrimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopic apparatus analyzes a substance under analysis and includes a light source that emits light of a first wavelength, an optical device that adsorbs the substance under analysis and is irradiated with the light of the first wavelength, and an optical detector that receives light radiated from the optical device. The optical device includes a first structural member that generates charge transfer resonance in response to the light of the first wavelength and a second structural member that is less than or equal to 5 nm from the first structural member and generates surface plasmon resonance in response to the light of the first wavelength. The first structural member is made of a metal or a semiconductor, and the second structural member is made of a metal different from the material of the first structural member.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a culture container include molding a single monolithic layer of polymeric material into a container body having a container shape; introducing a colorimetric sensor material and growth media into the container body; introducing a gas mixture into the container body to define a headspace gas in an upper portion of the container body; attaching a stopper to the neck of the container body with the sensor material; sealing the container body with the stopper closed to define a sealed container with the growth media and the headspace gas enclosed therein; then sterilizing the sealed container; then applying a gas barrier coating to an exterior of the sterilized container body so that the sealed container has an oxygen transmission rate (cubic centimeter/container/day/atm) that is between about 0.001 to about 0.01 to thereby define a culture container that is ready-to-use and shelf stable without autoclaving.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic filter unit includes an inlet channel connected to a fluid chamber, into which a fluid including a target material is introduced, and a plurality of outlet channels connected to the fluid chamber, through which the fluid is discharged. A filtering method includes introducing a fluid including a target material into the hydrodynamic filter unit through the inlet channel, capturing the target material in the hydrodynamic filter unit, and discharging a remaining part of the fluid outside of the hydrodynamic filter unit through an outlet channel.

Abstract: Provided is an electrochromic element having: a pair of electrodes; an electrochromic layer which is provided between the pair of electrodes and has an electrolyte and an electrochromic material; and a spacer which surrounds a periphery of the electrochromic layer, the element having a change mechanism that changes a thickness of the electrochromic layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding (GEM) technique.

Abstract: A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

Abstract: A photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) device for the in vivo detection of cells circulating in blood or lymphatic vessels is described. Ultrasound transducers attached to the skin of an organism detect the photoacoustic ultrasound waves emitted by target objects in response to their illumination by at least one pulse of laser energy delivered using at least one wavelength. The wavelengths of the laser light pulse may be varied to optimize the absorption of the laser energy by the target object. Target objects detected by the device may be unlabelled biological cells or cell products, contrast agents, or biological cells labeled with one or more contrast agents.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for handheld diagnostics and assays. The device includes a base having outer surface and a channel therethough for receiving fluid therein. The channel has input and output ports communicating with the outer surface. A lid is also provided. The lid has an outer surface, a first well having a port communicating with the outer surface of the lid, and a second well having a port communicating with the outer surface. The lid moveable between a first disengaged position and a second engaged position wherein the first port of the lid is adjacent the input port of the channel and the second port is adjacent the output port of the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hand-held medical devices, such as blood glucose meters, that include a housing with a cassette compartment for receiving an exchangeable test tape cassette, a drive assembly comprising an electric motor and a gear arrangement adapted for rotating a tape spool of the test tape cassette, where the gear arrangement has a worm drive in which a worm meshes with a worm wheel and a multistage speed-reducing unit comprising a plurality of spur gears arranged between the worm wheel and an output gear that can be directly coupled to the tape spool.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for forming emulsions. The system may include an instrument and a microfluidic chip received by the instrument. The instrument may apply pressure to prospective emulsion phases held by the chip, to drive formation and collection of emulsions in the chip. In some embodiments, the instrument may stop applying pressure to the chip when a change in pressure meeting a predefined condition is detected by the instrument. The change may indicate that an endpoint of droplet generation has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention depicts an MRD-based reactor. The MRD-based reactor comprises of a means for containing a flowing media and reacting the same (reactor). The reactor is characterized by a continuous wall portion, and is in connection with at least one MRD, adapted for applying localized spectroscopy towards the media. MRD-based reactors, in which the MRD is at least partially inside the reactor or reaction media, and those in which the MRD accommodates the reactor, are also introduced. Lastly, the invention teaches an in situ method for controlling and analyzing of a reaction. The method comprises of providing an MRD-based reactor; applying a magnetic field within the reactor, especially for performing a plurality of localized spectroscopic measurements and either real time or offline analyzing and/or controlling of reactions in the flowing media.

Abstract: A system and method for computer automated optimal lateral alignment of a spectrophotometer over a region of consistent color on a moving media or web for maintaining consistent color and or tonal qualities of a color application production process. The system consisting of a computer operated lateral traverse mechanism affixed to the press or color application equipment that is able to move the sensor laterally in small increments across the band of the color patches on the moving web or media, marking the lateral position each time it makes a light measurement, and therefrom calculating the optimal lateral alignment or position of the sensor for maintaining consistent color or density control during the color application process.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic device comprising includes an input chamber that provides an input of a sample fluid, and a first overspill chamber in fluid communication with the input chamber. A metering conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid input chamber and the first overspill chamber. The metering conduit meters a first metered volume of fluid from the sample fluid, and the first overspill chamber receives fluid in excess of the first metered volume of fluid. A second overspill chamber is in fluid communication with the metering conduit. The metering conduit meters a second metered volume of fluid from the first metered volume of fluid, and the second overspill chamber receives fluid from the first metered volume of fluid in excess of the second metered volume of fluid. The second overspill chamber has a fluid actuated closable valve for controlling the metering of the second metered volume of fluid.

Abstract: A method of testing a sample to determine a concentration of a target material included in the sample and a microfluidic device in which a reaction of the sample and a reagent occurs are provided. The method includes mixing a sample with a reagent that changes optical characteristics in accordance with a concentration of chlorine ions in the sample, and a capturing material that captures some of the chlorine ions in the sample; measuring the optical characteristics after mixing the sample with the reagent and the capturing material; and determining a concentration of the chlorine ions in the sample based on the measured optical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biochemical analysis cartridge having improved operability. More particularly, the present invention provides a biochemical analysis cartridge including an insertion-type sample cartridge and a reaction cartridge receiving the insertion-type sample cartridge, in which,as the sample cartridge is inserted into the reaction cartridge,a reaction solution chamber moves toward a broken part of a covertape so as to automatically supply the reaction solution stored in the chamber. The biochemical analysis cartridge having improved operability according to the present invention can induce the mixing between a sample and a reaction solution by simply inserting them into the reaction cartridge and a reaction thereafter, thereby minimizing the process of a measurer to intervene in the assay, and subsequently improving user convenience and operability.

Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.

Abstract: A composition having proanthocyanidin compounds having an average degree of polymerization of at least about 6. A method of administering to an immunosuppressed patient or a patient diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock a composition having a proanthocyanidin. A method of administering to a patient diagnosed with a gram negative bacterial infection a composition having proanthocyanidin compounds having an average degree of polymerization of at least about 6.

Abstract: A method for investigating one or a plurality of phase objects is described, in which a grid made up of elements is used, which is illuminated with light of a light source, the coherence length of which is larger than the average spacing of adjacent elements of the grid. A diffraction image of the illuminating light scattered on the grid is generated, whereby the one or the plurality of phase objects are placed in the light path between the light source and the grid and/or in the light path of the illuminating light scattered on the grid. At least a part of the diffraction image is detected by an optical sensor directly or after interaction with further optical components and converted into a signal. The signal is analysed further in order to ascertain information relating to the one or plurality of phase objects therefrom. A corresponding device is likewise described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a solution including a unit configured to place a flow cell having a flow path for flowing a sample solution containing the particles; a unit configured to illuminate the sample solution flowing through the flow path of the flow cell; a photodetector that detects a scattered light and/or fluorescence generated from the particles in the sample solution; and a unit configured to analyze the particles based on their signal intensities detected by the photodetector, wherein the flow cell has the flow path formed in a substrate, a reflection plane is formed on the side surface of the flow path, the reflection plane leads the lights generated in the flow path of the flow cell and advancing in the substrate in-plane direction to a specified region of the surface of the flow cell, and the photodetector detects the light exiting from the specified region to the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring neurotransmitters in the brain dialysate of mammals using enzymatic reactors specific to a certain neurotransmitter, which generate fluorescent derivatives when mixed. The mixture is introduced into an incubation chamber and passes through a temperature controlling system in order to set it to the optimum enzymatic reaction temperature, and the fluorescent derivative generated is passed through a flow fluorescence cell located inside the incubation chamber, where the liquid is impacted with a laser light source via an optical fibre. The fluorescence emitted is captured by a fluorescence detector that sends it to a processing system in order to obtain the corresponding values.

Abstract: An optical engine for use in a bench top flow cytometer, the optical engine comprising a set of lasers; a different set of beam shaping optics for each laser, wherein each set comprises two lenses to adjustably focus light horizontally along an x-axis to a same horizontal position and vertically along a y-axis to a different vertical position along a same plane; collection optics for collecting fluorescence from the flow cell; filtration optics that filter the collected fluorescence from the flow cell into different detection channels according to wavelength ranges; and a detector for each detection channel that converts the filtered fluorescence to electrical signals, wherein electrical signals are processed so that the fluorescence from each laser at the different vertical positions is distinguished at the same detector.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a tissue penetrating system and/or a metering device for measuring analyte levels. The device comprises a cartridge and a plurality of analyte detecting members mounted on the cartridge. The cartridge may have a radial disc shape. The cartridge may also be sized to fit within the metering device. The analyte detecting members may be optical system using fluorescence lifetime to determine analyte levels. In one embodiment, the device may also include a fluid spreader positioned over at least a portion of the analyte detecting member to urge fluid toward one of the detecting members. A plurality of analyte detecting members may be used. Each analyte detecting member may be a low volume device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a use and a kit for establishing the viability (ability to live) of biological samples using ageladine A. The invention is advantageously suitable for establishing the viability of biological samples which can otherwise be dyed in an intra-cellular manner by fluorescence dyes other than ageladine A not at all or only with difficulty. The invention is found to be very particularly advantageous for establishing the viability of eggs (ovaries) of the pig whipworm which are intended to be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of specific (gastroenterological) autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a multiscale platform for coordinating behavior using synthetic biology. The platform reduces the impact of underlying noise, making outputs more coherent and reliable at the macroscopic level.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and systems for assaying a sample for an analyte. Methods according to certain embodiments include illuminating a sample with a slit-shaped beam of light, detecting light transmitted through the sample, determining absorbance of the transmitted light at one or more wavelengths and calculating concentration of the analyte based on the absorbance to assay the sample for the analyte. Systems for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: An angle-sensitive pixel (ASP) device that uses the Talbot effect to detect the local intensity and incident angle of light includes a phase grating disposed above a photodiode assembly or a phase grating disposed above an analyzer grating that is disposed above a photodiode assembly. When illuminated by a plane wave, the upper grating generates a self-image at a selected Talbot depth. Several such structures, tuned to different incident angles, are sufficient to extract local incident angle and intensity. Arrays of such structures are sufficient to localize light sources in three dimensions without any additional optics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Submersible technology capable of sampling and evaluating suspended particulate materials, including living and dead organisms, is disclosed herein. In addition to fluorescent imaging and analysis, the invention provides automated cell staining, cell sorting, particulate concentration, and organism recovery and preservation. These new technologies may be incorporated into a traditional “fully vertical flow path” cytometer configuration most suitable for anchored or suspended stationary embodiments, or in a novel modularized “low relief” configuration, suitable for integration into or on a submersible aquatic vehicle or in other low clearance installations, where it is important to limit the vertical height of the device.

Abstract: A method of determining hypoxia in fetal scalp blood sampled during labor including the determination of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma obtained from the sample. The method can include the additional determination of K, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate in the plasma and/or blood. Increased values of one or more of LDH, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate are indicative of hypoxia in the fetus. Also disclosed is the use of a plasma separation apparatus in the method.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: An optical sensor is configured to be used with trappers specifically bound to an object substance to detect whether the object substance exists or not in a specimen. The optical sensor includes a first metal layer made of gold having a lower surface and an upper surface which is configured to have an electromagnetic wave supplied thereto, and a second layer made of gold having an upper surface facing the lower surface of the first metal layer. A hollow area configured to be filled with the specimen is provided between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The trappers are physically bonded to at least one of a lower side of the first metal layer and an upper side of the second metal layer. The thickness of the first metal layer is not smaller than 5 nm and not larger than 30 nm. The optical sensor has a small size and a simple structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container cleaning device which cleans a container for holding a sample. The device comprises: a container holding section for holding the container which has a substantially spherical inner bottom; a discharge section which is inserted into the container; and a cleaning nozzle which discharges a cleaning liquid into the container. The discharge section comprises an aperture at the bottom, and comprises a discharge flow path which is connected to the aperture and discharges the sample or the cleaning liquid in the container, and the discharge section is insertable to the deepest part of the container, and the bottom part of the discharge section conforms to the shape of the substantially spherical inner bottom of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterisation of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) ofindividual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius).

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of staining biological material for the purpose of detecting, and in some examples also identifying, microorganisms. Methods of Gram staining bacteria using a slow-acting decolorizing formulation, such as one that includes 1,2-propandiol or ethylene glycol, can be used to extend the time of the decolorizing step, and thus permit automation of the Gram staining method. Also provided are compositions and kits for performing automated Gram staining on microscope slides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an leucocyte antigen mediated microfluidic assay and a microfluidic device for analyzing a subjects' body fluids containing leucocytes to determine if the subject has been previously exposed to a predetermined antigen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, inter alia, methods for labeling a target protein with an SHG-active probe for detection by second harmonic or sum-frequency generation in order to identify agents which bind to an allosteric site on the target protein thereby altering its structural conformation

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous measurement of proteolylic enzyme generation and clot strength in plasma or whole blood or any appropriate biological sample derived from blood. The measurement method encompasses the use of a detectable substrate which includes a moiety that can be released upon reaction with the targeted proteolytic enzyme, and elements for measurement of an increase in viscosity of clot strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine sample analyzer for analyzing particles contained in a urine sample and outputting analytical results. The analyzer includes a flow cell that accepts a measurement specimen, the measurement specimen comprising a urine sample mixed with a reagent, a light irradiation unit positioned to irradiate the flowing measurement specimen with light, a light detector that detects light from individual particles in the flowing measurement specimen, and a data processor that receives signal from the light detector, processes the signal to obtain parameter information corresponding to a length of a cell cluster, and classifies fungi in the measurement specimen into groups by using the parameter information.

Abstract: A bacteria analyzer comprising: a sample preparing section for preparing a measurement sample from a specimen; a detector for detecting bacteria contained in the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations, comprising: obtaining the distribution state of bacteria detected by the detector; setting a bacteria count region according to the obtained bacteria distribution state; and counting the number of bacteria contained in the set bacteria count region is disclosed. Method for analyzing bacteria, and a computer program product for bacteria analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell division tracking apparatus includes a control unit, a search range setting unit, a daughter cell judgment unit. The control unit tracks division processes of the cells based on a cell image group composed of the cell images. The search range setting unit sets a search range to search for daughter cell regions corresponding to daughter cells resulting from a division of a mother cell based on the mother cell region detected by the mother cell detection unit. The daughter cell judgment unit judges whether the cell regions are the daughter cell regions based on a region in which regions of the cell overlap the search range regarding the cell images collected at and after a detection of the mother cell region.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.

Abstract: A method and point of use kit to determine under field conditions the presence and/or amount of a selected Pseudomonas species capable of bioremediating organic environmental pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.