Abstract: A method for regulating parameters of at least two bioreactor bags individually, which bioreactor bags are provided on one and the same rocking part of a bioreactor system. The method includes the steps of: determining an individual weight of the content in each bioreactor bag at different points in time during processing; regulating one or more parameters in each bioreactor bag in dependence of the individual weights.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for non-invasively measuring changes in a specimen suspected of containing one or more microbes, by monitoring changes in the dielectric constant of the specimen caused by metabolic processes of such microbes.

Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device comprises a container with at least one section transparent to light, a growth zone located in said container containing a mixture of growth media capable of supporting growth of the microorganisms, and at least one indicator substrate that changes its optical properties due to growth of the microorganisms. A detection zone is located in the container adjacent to the transparent section, and a barrier layer comprising porous solid material separates the two zones, allowing diffusion of molecules and ions of metabolic by-products of the organisms, while preventing microorganisms and particulate matter of the test sample from penetrating into the detection zone.

Abstract: A stabilized hematoxylin composition is disclosed that includes one or both of a host compound and an antioxidant. The disclosed composition exhibits sufficient stability to be utilized in an automated staining process without undue degradation prior to use of the composition to stain a biological sample. Methods of using and making the stabilized composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring one or more deposits including microbiological deposits on a surface immersed in an aqueous medium of a process is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing a QCM that is in contact with an aqueous medium, wherein said QCM has a top side surface contacting the aqueous medium, and a second, bottom side surface isolated from the aqueous medium; (b) providing a composition that is selective for one or more deposit types, including microbiological deposits without the use of an antigen or an antibody; (c) applying said composition to the top side of said QCM surface; (d) measuring the rate of deposition of said deposits from the aqueous medium onto the top side of said QCM surface; and (e) optionally taking corrective action to change one or more process parameters, or chemistry applied to the process, or a combination thereof, to achieve a desired result in regards to microbiological deposition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic thin-layer cell sample slide preparation without requiring human intervention are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a cell sample is measured to derive a cell sample measurement. An estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample is determined based upon the cell sample measurement. A differential volume of diluent is dispensed to the cell sample based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell suspension. In one embodiment, a differential volume of the cell suspension and a differential volume of cell adherent may be combined based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell mixture. A differential volume of the cell suspension or cell mixture (if an adherent is mixed with the cell suspension) is dispensed onto a surface of a sample slide.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. In some preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the affects of compounds on cells, such as cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for high throughput, useful sampling of seed, wherein viability is optionally maintained, are disclosed. Seed from one generation in a plant advancement experiment is individually sampled by removal and collection of tissue from the seed. The tissue is then processed to derive one or more biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic characteristic of the seed before a decision is made whether to utilize that seed further in a plant advancement experiment or other plant research and development. In some embodiments of the method, the sampling is controlled to remove a useful amount of tissue for analytical purposes without significant effect on viability potential of the sampled seed. In some embodiments, the sampling is controlled to deter contamination of the sample. In some embodiments, the seed is automatically positioned and oriented to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.

Abstract: A blood test instrument using a disposable cartridge and a method of measuring a blood sample using the instrument are disclosed. The instrument includes a cell counting station for counting blood cells by electrical resistance measurement, a pressure actuating component adapted to apply a pressure alternately on two flexible receptacles of a disposable cartridge removably placed in the instrument to cause flowing of a mixture of a blood sample and a liquid agent between the two receptacles to obtain proper mixing, and a conduit adapted to deliver the mixture to the cell counting station for counting. After measuring the blood sample, the instrument withdraws a washing liquid contained in another receptacle of the disposable cartridge and uses the washing liquid to clean the instrument and to deliver the mixture back to the cartridge for disposal.

Abstract: Bioreactors suitable for housing a predetermined volume of culture medium comprising a plurality of containers of approximately equal internal volume in which the culture medium resides, wherein the predetermined volume of culture medium is retained in approximately equal amounts within each of the plurality of containers during operation of the bioreactor, and wherein the internal volume of each container is selected so that the amount of culture medium in each container exceeds 50 vol. % of the container internal volume during operation of the bioreactor, and related methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for a method for optimizing the regimen for the administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The method comprises administration of a selenium compound to an individual, monitoring the modulation of tumor vessel maturation (TVM) to identify an optimal time for administration of a chemotherapeutic agent. This invention also provides a method to determine whether or not a tumor is likely to be a responder to chemotherapy. The method comprises administration of a selenium compound to an individual and determining whether or not an increase in TVM is observed. An increased TVM following administration of selenium is an indication that the tumor will likely respond the chemotherapy.

Abstract: A device and method simultaneously detects and enumerates two groups of microorganisms in a test sample, utilizing a single test container. In the container liquid growth media, a chromogenic substrate and a fluorogenic substrate are mixed with the test sample. The test container is incubated to allow bacterial growth and metabolism. Spectral changes of the substrates are dynamically detected using two external light sources aimed at a transparent section of the test container, and a single external photo detector. One light source operates in the visible band and the second in the long ultraviolet band. The two dynamic time patterns generated by the two substrates are analyzed in real time to determine the presence or absence of each microorganisms group and to enumerate their original concentrations in the test sample.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract: There is provided a device for partitioning a liquefied sample into discrete volumes. The device includes a bottom member; a top member disposed adjacent the bottom member; and at least one channel member disposed between the top and bottom members. The at least one channel member is at least partially defined by the top and bottom members and has first and second end portions. The first end portion of the at least one channel has an opening to receive liquid and the second end portion of the at least one channel has a reaction compartment and a vent opening. Accordingly, when the liquefied sample is introduced to the first end portion, capillary action assists in causing the liquefied sample to travel from the first end portion to the second end portion and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for identifying substances that modulate the activity of hyperpolarization-activated cation channels, and the use of this process.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sort of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: A system and a method of detecting and characterizing a bacterial colony are presented in which the results are determined within about 48 hours. The bacterial colony is disposed on a substrate and placed between a laser and detector. Light from the laser impinges upon and is scattered by the bacterial colony. The forward scattered light is detected by an optical detector. The signal from the optical detector is analyzed by an analyzer and displayed or supplied to a storage medium for review. As different strains of bacteria possess unique forward scattering fingerprints, the particular strain may be identified.

Abstract: A method of detecting an etching end-point includes the steps of: forming a mask on a pattern area of an etching object; forming an etching indicator on an etching area of the etching object, which is not covered by the mask; etching the etching object using the mask; and evaluating the size of a remaining object covered by the mask using the etching indicator.

Abstract: Media, kits, and methods are disclosed for use in processes requiring microbial culture. More specifically, the invention provides carrageenan-stabilized agar-based microbial culture media for kits and methods. The media and kits of the invention possess increased shelf-life stability over currently available agar-based media. Further, the media, kits, and methods are useful in the manual determination of identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the pathogen/s contained in a specimen or sample in periods of about 12 to 24 hours. The stabilized culture media of the invention are useful in a broad variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for identifying substances that modulate the activity of hyperpolarization-activated cation channels, and the use of this process.

Abstract: A microbiological analyzer for performing ID tests on samples using colorimetric techniques to generate a pixel-wise colored map of a test region of interest and also performing MIC tests on samples using nephelometric techniques to determine which antimicrobial agents are most effective against a particular microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an improved transfer film having multiple layers for laser micro-capture of a sample. The transfer film for laser micro-capture includes distinct layers for expansion and adhesion in order to optimize the performance of the transfer film. A transfer film including a spring-back layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid growth plating medium in which Shigella organisms will grow and form colonies in the medium, and substantially, other microorganisms are inhibited or their colonies are differentiated from Shigella organisms. In one embodiment of the invention, colonies produced by Shigella appear with the color of the plating medium, usually a clear off-white color, that can be readily observed. In another embodiment, the fact that Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei produce the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, but most Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri strains do not, is utilized with a chromogenic substrate to produce colonies of these microorganisms of a distinguishing color.

Abstract: The present invention is to methods of obtaining plant-derived compositions that inhibit apoptosis, the compositions obtained thereby, compositions comprising the composition, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An isolation plating medium for use in processes for the presumptive identification of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 from a sample that also contains other strains of Escherichia coli. The plating medium comprises at least one carbohydrate that Escherichia coli 0157:H7 is incapable of fermenting, but other strains of Escherichia coli do ferment said carbohydrate, a pH indicator dye that changes the color of the plating medium to a first color when the pH of the medium changes, a chromogenic substrate that reacts to beta-galactosidase to form a precipitate in the plating medium of a second color which contrasts with the first color.

Abstract: A Method and Kit for performing concurrent identification testing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing from broth culture (90) are described. Broth (82) incubation is generally 4 to 6 hrs providing adequate numbers of microorganisms for inoculating a multi-chambered kit plate (80) comprising enriched, differential, selective, differential-selective, single-purpose and susceptibility media. Several dilutions are prepared from the cultured broth, for inoculation of the kit plate (80). The more dilute concentration (140) produces individual colonies of microorganisms, for identification testing. This isolation makes an initial isolation step unnecessary. The heavier concentration dilution (96) provides inoculation for antimicrobial susceptibility tests and other identification tests. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibilities are shown valid even when several different microorganisms coexist in the same test chamber.

Abstract: A solid growth plating medium in which Shigella organisms will grow and form colonies in the medium, and substantially, other microorganisms are inhibited or their colonies are differentiated from Shigella organisms. In one embodiment of the invention, colonies produced by Shigella appear with the color of the plating medium, usually a clear off-white color, that can be readily observed. In another embodiment, the fact that Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei produce the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, but most Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri strains do not, is utilized with a chromogenic substrate to produce colonies of these microorganisms of a distinguishing color.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the Microbiology field and particularly with a composition and a method for early detection, identification, differentiation and count of microscopic organisms, concretely Gram-negative microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella or Shigella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrate is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In a preferred form, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella or Shigella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: A method for classifying and counting nucleated bone marrow cells comprises the steps of: (1) mixing a sample of bone marrow fluid with an erythrocyte lysing agent to lyse erythrocytes in the sample and render leukocytic cells and erythroid cells in the sample suitable for staining, and staining the sample with a fluorescent dye for producing a difference in intensity of fluorescence between the leukocytic cells and the erythroid cells; (2) introducing the resulting sample to a flow cytometer to detect at least one kind of scattered light and at least one kind of fluorescence; (3) classifying and counting nucleated bone marrow cells, the leukocytic cells and the erythroid cells with use of a difference in the intensity of the fluorescence and the scattered light; (4) calculating the ratio of the nucleated bone marrow cells to the erythroid cells or leukocytic cells from the obtained erythroid cell count or leukocytic cell count and the obtained nucleated bone marrow cell count; and (5) calculating the ratio o

Abstract: Formed constituents in an aqueous based fluid biologic material sample are separated from the aqueous constituent of the sample, and are concentrated in an examining instrument's focal plane where they can be examined under magnification. Examples of fluids that can be analyzed in this fashion include urine; cerebrospinal fluid; pleural fluid; ascites; fluids aspirated from cysts such as thyroid and breast cysts; cytologic specimens which have been placed in an aqueous fluid; platelet-rich plasma; and the like. The sample is placed in a chamber having a layer of a hydrophilic hydrogel covering a surface of the chamber. An opposite surface of the chamber is transparent, and may be formed by a microscope slide cover slip, or the like. The volume of hydrogel in the chamber is sufficient so that, when the hydrogel absorbs essentially all of the aqueous fraction of the sample, the hydrogel will expand and fill the chamber.

Abstract: A multi-slide assembly includes various components that alone or in combination facilitate testing of test samples with minimal manipulation of assay components. Moreover, the various device components permit centrifugation, culturing and analysis of each test sample to be performed in the same assembly. A frame retains a plurality of reaction vessel assemblies between a pair of opposing channels that are configured to slidably receive the opposing ends of each reaction vessel assembly. A strip cap seals the openings in each reaction vessel using cap members having sealing rings circumscribing the external walls thereof to form compression seals with internal walls of the reaction vessels. Furthermore, in a method of making a multi-well slide assembly, an ultrasonic welding process removably bonds a plurality of wells to a slide plate to provide an adequate seal therebetween during centrifugation, yet still enable separation thereof by an operator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of testing water for microbe contamination. The methods of the invention comprise supplementing existing methods with assays using specific reagents such as monoclonal antibodies. The invention also concerns a device for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Drug candidate screening methods are applied to discover compounds with activity against ion channel targets. The method may include modulating the transmembrane potential of host cells in a plurality of sample wells with a repetitive application of electric fields so as to set the transmembrane potential to a level corresponding to a pre-selected voltage dependent state of a target ion channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for high information content (HIC) analysis or screening of complex biological systems using Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). The present methods are useful for analyzing complex biological mixtures containing both high molecular weight molecules (e.g., polynucleotides, proteins, polysaccharides) and low molecular weight molecules (e.g., oligonucleotides, peptides, lipids, oligosaccharides, steroid hormones, catabolic and metabolic intermediates) permit the elucidation of molecular differences between complex biological samples, and permit the identification of biologically active molecules (e.g. therapeutically active drugs, etc.).

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain No PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.

Abstract: A solid plating medium for the presumptive detection of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 which comprises (1) an ingredient which promotes growth of Escherichia coli cells under incubation, (2) an ingredient which inhibits growth of gram positive microorganisms under incubation, (3) an ingredient that inhibits growth of Proteus sp.

Abstract: An article for detecting thermostable nuclease positive, potentially enterotoxigenic, staphylococci, containing unhydrolyzed nucleotides, toluidine blue O, and a binder, wherein the article is adapted for placement against a sample suspected of containing enterotoxigenic staphylococci. A method of detecting thermostable nuclease positive staphylococci in a sample utilizing the article, and a kit for the detection of thermostable nuclease positive staphylococci containing the article, are also described.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms belonging to the group which consists of bacteria and yeasts in a liquid sample (5) of a biological material. The method comprises placing the liquid sample (5) in a centrifuge tube (6a, 6b) above a gelled system (10) comprising at least (a) a first so-called development phase (1), i.e. a gel comprising a microorganism culture medium and a reagent for inducing a detectable optical measurement change in the presence of microorganisms, said gel being an intimate mixture of water and water-absorbing polymeric particles that have swelled in such a way that, in said intimate mixture, said polymeric particles have (.alpha.) a dry weight concentration of 0.05-0.2 g/ml, and (.beta.) a swollen-state diameter of 90-320 .mu.

Abstract: A method for detecting, identifying and measuring infectious disease causing microorganisms is described. The method utilizes a plural medium arrangement in which a test liquid containing a microorganism is simultaneously introduced. Different media are utilized for the plural medium arrangement and at least one of the media can contain a respiration inhibiting material and/or other reagents such as antibiotics. Dissolved oxygen measurements of the media are taken as a measurement of microorganism respiration. Oxygen electrode signals within different media are compared and differential respiration variation rates are determined and identification signals produced. The identification signal resulting from the multiple respiration rate determinations is compared with known values to identify and measure the microorganism. The drug sensitivity of a microorganism is also judged when at least one of the media contains a drug for which the sensitivity of microorganism is to be determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the number of microorganisms in a liquid sample, including the steps of dividing the liquid sample into a plurality of separate sub-samples, measuring the magnitude of at least one impedance component across each of the sub-samples and determining the number of the sub-samples for which the measured magnitude of the at least one impedance component indicates microorganism growth. The method preferably further includes the steps of applying A.C. voltage at a plurality of frequencies across at least a portion of the sample and measuring the at least one impedance component in response to at least some of the plurality of A.C. frequencies.

Abstract: Method for detection of a biological material in a sample. The method includes the steps of liquifying the sample (if necessary) and pouring the liquified sample into the incubation plate. The incubation plate has a generally flat horizontal surface and the surface is divided into a plurality of at least 20 recessed wells. Each well is adapted to hold an aliquot of liquid and is sized and shaped, and formed of a suitable material, to hold the aliquot within the well by surface tension. Any excess liquid from the liquified sample is poured from the surface of the plate. The method then involves incubating that incubation plate until the presence or absence of the biological material is determined.

Abstract: A method for restoring immunoreactivity of a tissue, particularly decalcified tissue, fixed width an aldehyde fixative agent and embedded in an embedding medium, usually comprising celloidin, the method comprising the steps of contacting the tissue with an aldehyde releasing reagent solution comprising a solvent and an aldehyde releasing reagent and removing aldehyde released by the aldehyde releasing reagent from contact with the tissue by reacting the aldehyde in a substantially irreversible manner to form a non-aldehyde derivative, and removing excess base from the tissue. A preferred solution for celloidin-embedded decalcified tissue comprises methanolic sodium hydroxide at about one-third saturation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting specific target-cells in a simple and time saving way, using paramagnetic particles, antibodies recognizing the Fc portions of target-cell associating antibodies and target-cell associating antibodies directed to specific antigen determinants in the target-cell membranes. Incubation of the cell suspension with a mild detergent and/or second set of antibodies or antibody fragments, prelabeled or not with fluorescent agents, metallocolloids, radioisotopes, biotincomplexes or certain enzymes allowing visualization, with dramatically increase the specificity of the method. The method can further be used for isolation of the target-cells by magnetic field application and kit for performing the method according to the invention is described.