Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises an ultraviolet light source (100) configured to transmit the ultraviolet light to a sample (102), one or more wavelength dependent beam splitters (104) and at least two separate detectors (106, 108). Each beam splitter (104) receives, from the sample (102), a band of excitating ultraviolet light and at least one band of fluorescence associated with an interaction between the excitating ultraviolet light and the sample (102) in the optical path through the sample (102), directs the band of excitating ultraviolet light passed through the sample (102) towards a first detector (106), and directs the at least one band of the fluorescence towards at least one separate detector (108). The first detector (106) and the at least one separate detector (108) are simultaneously configured to form electrical signals carrying information on powers of the bands of the ultraviolet light and the fluorescence, respectively.

Abstract: A living body phantom according to the present invention, which is used as a testing sample in a prepared slide in estimating the performance of a microscope objective lens with the image of the testing sample in the prepared slide acquired by an imaging means via the microscope objective lens and with optical characteristics obtained from the image of the testing sample, includes a non-gel-like solution at least including: a solvent which at least includes water, a refractive index adjustment agent, and a scattering body or which at least includes a refractive index adjustment agent and a scattering body; and a thickener.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly fluorescent markers, made from a reactive polymer and an isocyanate, that fluoresce in the ultraviolet or near infrared region without being visible to the human eye at low concentrations in the fluid or article being marked. The molecular weight and fluorescence emission wavelength of these highly fluorescent marker compounds can be adjusted to provide a multitude of markers with unique fluorescence signatures.

Abstract: A “real time” method for detecting chemical agents generally and particularly electrophilic and nucleophilic species by employing tunable, precursor sensor materials that mimic the physiological interaction of these agents to form highly florescent berberine-type alkaloids that can be easily and rapidly detected. These novel precursor sensor materials can be tuned for reaction with both electrophilic (chemical species, toxins) and nucleophilic (proteins and other biological molecules) species. By bonding or otherwise attaching these precursor molecules to a surface or substrate they can be used in numerous applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that include a multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex for identifying a target biomolecule. A sensor biomolecule, for example, an antibody can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. Additionally, a signaling chromophore can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. The arrangement is such that the signaling chromophore is capable of receiving energy from the multichromophore upon excitation of the multichromophore. Since the sensor biomolecule is capable of interacting with the target biomolecule, the multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex can provide enhanced detection signals for a target biomolecule.

Abstract: Novel mono-azide substituted rylene-imide derivatives, their use in methods for the detection of analytes and reagents kits for the detection of analytes comprising said novel mono-azide substituted rylene-imide derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials, devices, and methods related to determination of an analyte. In some embodiments, an analyte may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a luminescent material (e.g., particle) upon exposure to an analyte. The present invention may be particularly advantageous in that some embodiments may comprise an emissive species useful as an internal reference standard. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the quantitative determination of an analyte. In some cases, the present invention may allow for selective determination of an analyte.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for detecting blood in urine or feces includes a photodetector configured to detect a transient light emitted in a toilet bowl by luminol and an oxidizer catalyzed by iron in the blood. The apparatus may include dispensers for the luminol, the oxidizer and a base. The apparatus may include a microprocessor and a network connection and may perform statistical analyzes, store data and alert the patient or a healthcare provider if blood is detected. The photodetector may be configured to detect light emitted in the toilet bowl by a fluorophore present in the water and excited by the transient light from the luminol and oxidizer.

Abstract: A system of quantitatively determining a biomolecule, which has: allowing fluorescent silica particles capable of emitting fluorescence detectable by a flow cytometer to capture a target biomolecule fluorescent-labelled for quantitative determination; detecting the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent silica particles themselves by using the flow cytometer; and measuring the intensity of the fluorescence of the labelled target biomolecule, thereby quantitatively determining the target biomolecule.

Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus may include a substrate having a first side for a sensing element and a second side for electronics, the substrate may have a at least one via from the first side of the substrate to the second side of the substrate, the at least one via may be hermetically sealed with an optically transmissive material.

Abstract: A method of detection separation and identification for expressed trace protein/peptide; and a system therefor. There is provided a method of detecting, separating and identifying a minute amount of expressed protein and/or peptide, characterized in that a fluorescent derivative of protein and/or peptide contained in a test subject sample having been labeled with a fluorescence reagent is applied to HPLC; a fluorescent fraction is collected and subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis; mass-spectrometry of the resultant fluorescence-labeled fragments and non-fluorescence-labeled fragments is carried out; and the thus obtained ion molecular weight information on each of the fragments is collated with an available protein and/or peptide fragment database to thereby accomplish a structural analysis. Further, there is provided an identification system therefor.

Abstract: A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement that includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. The fluorescence reader includes a light source arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface being configured to increase transmission of emitted fluorescent light by suppression of total internal reflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of pro-fluorescent probes for reactive oxygen species (ROS). One exemplary probe is mitochondria peroxy yellow 1 (MitoPY1), a new type of flurophore for imaging mitochondrial H2O2 in living cells with ROS and spatial specificity. The invention also provides methods of using pro-fluorescent probes to detect analytes. One exemplary method comprises using a pro-fluorescent probe of the invention to detect an explosive.

Abstract: A chemical indicator having a particulate inorganic substrate, and at least one reactive dye or ink coated on and/or impregnated within the particulate inorganic substrate. Coating and/or impregnating at least one reactive dye or ink on or within a particulate inorganic substrate improves the storage stability and/or thermal stability of the at least one reactive dye or ink, which typically includes relatively unstable compounds. This allows the present indicators to be incorporated into thermoplastic polymer materials and processed conventionally while maintaining the efficacy and stability of the new indicators. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting analytes such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, and may find use in applications such as food packaging and medical applications.

Abstract: Nanocrystals having an indium-based core and methods for making them and using them to construct core-shell nanocrystals are described. These core-shell nanocrystals are highly stable and provide higher quantum yields than known nanocrystals of similar composition, and they provide special advantages for certain applications because of their small size.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for accurately imaging chemiluminescence and other luminescence are disclosed. A compact, flat-bed scanner having a light-tight enclosure, one or more detector bars of linear charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging chips, and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics scans closely over a sample in one direction and then the opposite direction. Averages or other combinations of intensity readings for each pixel location (x, y) between the two or more passes are averaged together in order to compensate for luminescence that varies over time. On-chip pixel binning and multiple clock frequencies can be used to maximize the signal to noise ratio in a CCD-based scanner.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorogenic compounds for the detection of target metal ions wherein the compounds exhibit a Stokes shift greater than 50 nm and the detectable signal is modulated by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The present compounds consist of three functional elements, the ion sensing moiety (chelating moiety), the reporter moiety (fluorophore or fluorescent protein) and spacer or linker between the sensing and reporter moieties of the present compound that allows for PET upon binding of a metal ion and excitation by an appropriate wavelength.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.

Abstract: Described herein are high-throughput methods of monitoring D-serine levels in plasma. The assay involves the use of strong cation solid phase extraction (SPE) to isolate D-serine from plasma, followed by quantitation of D-serine using the D-amino acid oxidase- (DAAO-) catalyzed reaction. Also described are methods of screening for compounds that act as DAAO inhibitors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for facilitating cytometry analysis of particles flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the microfluidic devices have onboard sterilization capabilities. In other embodiments, microfluidic devices have integral collection bags and methods for keeping the microfluidic channels clean.

Abstract: A method for measuring bromate ion is provided that provides high-sensitivity measurement results more simply and more quickly than conventional bromate ion measurement methods. A fluorescent substance that is quenched by coexistence with bromate ions is added to a sample 130 and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance after quenching is measured, the measured fluorescence intensity being subtracted from the fluorescence intensity of a standard sample containing no bromate ions to calculated the fluorescence intensity difference. The bromate ion concentration is calculated from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference, using a pre-determined calibration line between the fluorescence intensity difference and the bromate ion concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a system for guiding chemiluminescence and a system for preventing a variation in dark currents. The apparatus includes a first light shielding BOX having a sample container holder and a shutter unit therein, the shutter unit including a top plate which is partly formed by a movement of a plate member, and a second light shielding BOX having a photodetector therein. While a measurement is not implemented, the shutter unit is closed to block entrance of stray light to the photodetector, and while a measurement is implemented, the plate member is moved to open the shutter unit, and the tip of the photodetector is inserted into a through hole formed in the top plate, so that the distance between the bottom of the sample container and a sensitive area of the photodetector is reduced to several millimeters or less.

Abstract: We disclose the synthesis and use of chiral ionic liquids based on a substituted pentose, furanose, hexose, or pyranose sugar. The compounds and processes to make or use them are provided.

Abstract: Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides dual labeled protein standards useful for the simultaneous determination of the molecular weight of a subject protein as well as the relative mass (i.e., amount) of the subject protein present in an electrophoresis lane. The invention is also directed to methods suitable for the preparation of such dual labeled protein standards and to methods of using such dual labeled proteins to simultaneously determine the molecular weight and the relative amount of a subject protein. Further embodiments are directed to the use dual labeled protein standards to make a more accurate determination of the amount of a protein present in an electrophoresis lane. Yet further embodiments are directed to kits containing the presently described dual protein standards. Dual labeled protein standards made and used in accordance with the embodiments set forth herein may be used to simultaneously determine the molecular weight and the relative amount of a subject protein in real time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a particle having a code embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the particle. In preferred embodiments, a thin film possesses porosity that varies in a manner to produce a code detectable in the reflectivity spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing, ascertaining the clinical course of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and ascertaining response to a therapy regimen of myelodysplastic syndrome. Specifically the invention provides methods and kits useful in the diagnosis and determination of clinical parameters associated with MDS based on surface markers unique to MDS.

Abstract: There has been a need for coelenterazine analogs that exhibit luminescence properties different from those of known coelenterazine analogs. The present invention provides the compound represented by general formula (1).

Abstract: A method for detecting optical signals, a microfluidic mixing chip having light emitting compound and a system thereof are provided. The microfluidic mixing system comprises the microfluidic mixing chip, an electrode pairs and a power supplier. The microfluidic mixing chip comprises a first side cavity, a second side cavity and a mixing cavity. The mixing cavity is disposed between the first side cavity and the second side cavity. The mixing cavity further contains the light emitting compound, a catalyst and a redox reagent. The electrode pair is respectively disposed to the first side cavity and the second cavity. The power supplier supplies a power source with high frequency alternating current electric field. By utilizing the power source with alternating current electric field, the light emitting compound, the redox reagent and the catalyst are mixed in the mixing cavity to generate a chemiluminescence or bioluminescence optical signal to detect.

Abstract: Provided herein are explosives detection substrates which include an electrospun (electro)sprayed and/or dry spun aromatic polymer, such as polystyrene, and a small molecule fluorophore. Methods for detecting an explosive material using such substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Microbeads include small preformed microbead substrates, which may comprise, for example, silica particles having a characteristic dimension less than 2 millimeters. A plurality of luminophores are applied to an exposed surface of the microbead substrates, wherein the luminophores are selected for detecting pressure and/or temperature. A plurality of luminophores absorb light at a predetermined wavelength to transition to an excited state, and they luminesce at different wavelengths when returning to the ground state. The luminescence may be phosphorescence or fluorescence. In some embodiments the microbeads include at least one pressure-sensitive luminophore, at least one temperature-sensitive luminophore, and at least one reference luminophore that is neither pressure-sensitive nor temperature-sensitive. In some embodiments the microbeads are configured for use in digital particle image velocimetry.

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; ethyl trimethoxysilane; 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: The present invention concerns a system and method for the luminescence detection of an analyte in a liquid sample. The system comprises a support on which an analyte-specific substance and a reference substance are located. The analyte-specific substance is able to emit a first luminescence signal on contact with the analyte and the reference substance is able to emit a second luminescence signal which is substantially quenched by contact with the liquid sample.

Abstract: There is provided an optical analysis technique of detecting light of a light-emitting particle in a sample solution in the scanning molecule counting method using the light measurement with a confocal or multiphoton microscope, for suppressing the scattering in detected results of signals of light of light-emitting particles smaller and achieving the improvement of accuracy. The inventive technique comprises moving the position of a light detection region along a predetermined route for multiple circulation times by changing the optical path of the optical system; detecting light from the light detection region and generating time series light intensity data during the moving of the light detection region and detecting individually a signal indicating light from each light-emitting particle existing in the predetermined route using the time series light intensity data obtained in the circulating movements of the light detection region of multiple times.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a surfactant in a microelectronic process is disclosed. Specifically, the monitoring of a surfactant occurs by studying the fluorescence or electromagnetic emission of a sample collected from a microelectronic process.

Abstract: A fluorescence quenching based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polystyrene polymer linked to pyrene. The fluorescence based sensor has the formula (I), Polystyrene-Y—R-Pyrene??(I); wherein Y is fluorescence quenching and R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms. The sensor can be coated onto a support and integrated with an LED excitation source and fluorescence detector.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of continuously verifying proper sort calibration in a droplet sorting flow cytometer by selecting a fraction of droplets estimated to have substantially zero probability of containing a particle; applying one charge of a set of charges to the selected droplets in order to form a test stream out of the selected droplets; illuminating the droplets in the test stream; and detecting any light emitted or scattered by any particles in the selected droplets.

Abstract: Method for marking a material, comprising including at least two components having different fluorescent characteristics as a blend of components in the material, the at least two components not being already associated with the material and at least one of the at least two different components having a fluorescence that varies in spectral position and/or intensity according to variation of pH, the at least two components being included in the material in an amount effective to be qualitatively and/or quantitatively determined. Also, provided are marked materials and methods of authenticating and preventing counterfeiting and dilution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining and replicate unknown ratios of original target liquid blends, such as hydrocarbon fuel blends or contaminants, by using an in-process fluorescence-monitored procedure. The methods rely on trial-and-error mixing of the fuel ingredients into a single container. At the end of the trial-and-error procedure, the formed blend becomes an exact replica of the target fuel blend. The methods can also be used to build calibration curves without employing sets of previously prepared standard solutions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is disclosed for measuring a binding affinity between a nucleic acid and a test substance, which contains an organic fluorescent substance capable of binding to an RNA and which emits fluorescence having an intensity greater while the organic fluorescent substance is liberated from an RNA than while the organic fluorescent substance is bound to an RNA. This enables a highly accurate and easy measurement of a binding affinity between a test substance and a nucleic acid, and allows various substances to be examined as a test substance.

Abstract: A nanothermometer is disclosed. In various embodiments, a nanothermometer comprises a nanoparticle such as a gold nanoparticle, a fluorophore, and a linker, such as a peptide linker, extending between the nanoparticle and the fluorophore, whereby the fluorophore is self-quenched. The linker can comprise one or more cysteines. An unheated thermometer shows little or no fluorescence. Upon heating, fluorophore-linker conjugates are released from the nanoparticle, thereby unquenching the fluorescence. An increase in fluorescence results. In some embodiments, the increase in fluorescence can be irreversible. Methods of measuring temperature of a sample such as a biological sample, and methods of synthesizing a nanothermometer, are also disclosed. A molecular thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a photoamplified fluorescence turn-off assay where a masked photosensitizer is mixed with a fluorescent molecule. This mixture is brightly fluorescent because the masked photosensitizer is not capable of quenching the fluorophore. When the photosensitizer is released and amplified, the photosensitizer quenches the emission of fluorophores very efficiently.