Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection and quantitation of target nucleic acids in a heterogeneous mixture in a sample and the methods of use thereof. The detection system includes a chemiluminescent molecule, a chemiluminescent substrate, a dye that is light responsive when intercalated into nucleic acids and nucleic acids. This invention is useful in any application where detection of a specific nucleic acid sequence is desirable, or where the detection of enzymes that modify nucleic acids is desirable such as diagnostics, research uses and industrial applications.

Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.

Abstract: An anti-glycation agent includes a Garcinia kola extract or fraction. The compositions including the extract or the fraction are used to inhibit the glycation of proteins, in particular the glycation of skin proteins involved in cutaneous aging. A method for determining the activity of compounds for inhibiting the glycation of cutaneous proteins, in particular for inhibiting the glycation of collagen is also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new thiolysine and selenolysine compounds that can be used as building blocks for peptides and proteins, providing ligation handles for site- and chemoselective modification of said peptides and proteins. In particular, the invention provides. In particular, the invention provides (the use of) the compounds 5-thiolysine (also referred to as ?-thiolysine); 4-thiolysine (also referred to as ?-thiolysine); 5-selenolysine (also referred to as ?-selenolysine) and 4-selenolysine (also referred to as ?-selenolysine). The positioning of the thiol or selenol group at the respective carbon atom allows for a very efficient intramolecular transfer reaction to take place after conjugation with a selected ligand, and the thiol or selenol group may subsequently be removed using reported procedures, thereby restoring the native lysine structure, or be used as an additional conjugation handle. The methodology is fast and gives well-defined material.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an antigen including (1) a cell having antibodies which are expressed on the surface of the cell and are specific for the antigen to be detected, where binding of the antigen to the antibodies results in an increase in calcium concentration in the cytosol of the cell, the cell further having a emitter molecule which, in response to the increased calcium concentration in the cytosol, emits a photon; (2) a liquid medium for receiving the antigen and in which the cell is immersed; and (3) an optical detector arranged for receiving the photon emitted from the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an assay for detecting and differentiating multiple analytes, if present, in a single fluid sample, including devices and methods therefore.

Abstract: Hydroxamate substituted azaindoline cyanine dyes, conjugates thereof and methods of using the same are provided. The subject cyanine dyes include an azaindoline ring having a hydroxamate substituent. The dyes may further include a reactive group moieties (RGM) and/or a water soluble group. Also provided are conjugates of the subject dyes. Also provided are tandem conjugates including a fluorescent protein capable of energy transfer to the dye. Methods of detecting an analyte in a sample by contacting the sample with a detection reagent are provided. The detection agent may be a dye-conjugate that specifically binds the analyte, or may be a reactive dye which conjugates to the analyte. Also provided are compositions, e.g., kits, etc., incorporating such dyes which facilitate use in such methods.

Abstract: Chemical stain compounds containing a fluorophore and a reducible quenching unit are disclosed. The reducible quenching unit quenches the fluorophore while in its oxidized state. Upon reduction, the quenching properties of the quenching unit are diminished or eliminated. The chemical compounds can be used in a variety of applications, including the detection of bacterial cells, monitoring the electron transport chain function of bacterial cells, monitoring the oxidation state of non-biological systems, and assaying the effectiveness of antibacterial or antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward benzimidazolium dye compounds of formula (I) as follows: wherein, n is an integer from 2-10, m is an integer from 2-10, X1 and X2 are independently a halogen, Q is H or a resin, and R is (aromatic)o-(linker)p-with the linker being saturated or unsaturated C1-C5 hydrocarbons, each aromatic independently being a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic, o being 1 or 2, and p being 0 or 1. Methods of making and using these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining an analyte in a liquid sample. The inventive device consists of: a capillary action means, involving lateral migration, defining a reference capillary action direction and comprising a liquid sample deposit area and an analytedetection area which is disposed downstream of the deposit area; a first analytespecific binding reagent which is conjugated to a visible and/or measurable marker and which is free to migrate when wet by means of capillary action in the abovementioned capillary actions means along the reference direction; and a second analytespecific binding reagent which is immobilized in the detection area. The invention is characterized in that the detection area comprises the analyte or an analogue of the analyte, which is immobilized and disposed at a distance from the second specific binding reagent.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound having a structure analogous to firefly luciferin. In particular, the invention relates to a heterocycle compound which produces a luminescence at a light wavelength different from that of firefly luciferin in nature. The present invention provides a heterocycle compound of following general formula I. In the above general formula, R1, R2 and R3 can be each independently H or C1-4-alkyl. In the above general formula, X and Y can be each independently C, N, S or O. In the above general formula, the olefin chain part expressed as “n” can be changed to desired length.

Abstract: A method for performing time resolved homogeneous assays using a long-lifetime luminescent dye as a donor. A reaction well containing a sample portion, donor reagent, and acceptor reagent and a matrix well containing a sample portion and donor reagent are excited and the resulting emission from each is measured at a single wavelength associated with the acceptor. The measurement obtained from the matrix well is used to provide a correction for the measurement obtained from the reaction well. The sample may be a biological fluid such as an oral fluid.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for assaying a sample to quantitatively determine the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.

Abstract: A lateral flow, membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes phosphorescence to detect the signals generated by excited phosphorescent labels. The labels may have a long emission lifetime so that background interference from many sources, such as scattered light and autofluorescence, is practically eliminated during detection. In addition, the phosphorescent labels may be encapsulated within particles to shield the labels from quenchers, such as oxygen or water, which might disrupt the phosphorescent signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample and includes the steps of contacting a faradaic working electrode to a solution comprising the optionally pre-processed sample and an electrolyte, contacting a capacitive counter electrode to the solution, supplying electrical energy between the faradaic working electrode and the capacitive counter electrode sufficient to provide for faradaic charge transfer at the faradaic working electrode, and measuring at least one of (i) light, (ii) current, (iii) voltage, and (iv) charge to determine the presence or amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A real time analysis in accordance with temperature change and highly sensitive detection are permitted. A flow passage device has a flow passage (1) and is able to heat a fluid in the flow passage. A state of the fluid in the flow passage is observable using light. The flow passage device includes a first member (2) including an observation surface (3) and an upper inner wall surface (4), and a second member (5) including a lower inner wall surface that opposes the upper inner wall surface (4) and that is part of inner walls of the flow passage. A heating resistor (6) having a reflective surface that reflects light is provided on the lower inner wall surface. The light reflected by the reflective surface passes through the upper inner wall surface (4) and the observation surface (3).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for a confocal fluorescence detection system has an input channel defined by a body of the microfluidic device, a sample concentration section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the input channel, a mixing section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the concentration section, and a detection region that is at least partially transparent to illumination light of the confocal fluorescence detection system and at least partially transparent to fluorescent light when emitted from a sample under observation as the sample flows through the detection region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanosystems comprising metal atomic quantum clusters (AQCs) of at least two different sizes encapsulated in a cavity with an inner diameter less than or equal to 10 nm for the use thereof as luminescent nanosystems, particularly for the use thereof as fluorescent nanosystems; as well as the method for obtaining and detecting them. The invention also relates to the use of said luminescent nanosystems as a fluorescent probe, biomarker or contrasting agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of oxidizing salts. According to the current invention, analyte is collected on a swipe and subsequently heated to a temperature sufficient to release a detectible vapor phase component of the oxidizing salt. The vapor phase component passes reacts with a pH sensitive molecule. Reaction of the vapor phase product with the pH sensitive molecule produces a detectible change in response intensity.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly reliable optical fiber measurement device and measurement method having a simple and compact structure.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes: preparing a sample solution containing the target particles and luminescent probes to be bound to the target particles, and binding these in the sample solution; moving a position of a light detection region of the optical system in the sample solution using a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, and detecting light signal emitted from the luminescent probe in the light detection region while moving the position of the light detection region, and individually detecting the target particles directly or indirectly; and counting the number of the detected target particles, and calculating the concentration of the target particles in the sample solution from the number of the counted target particles on the basis of a calibration curve that approximates the correlation between the concentration or quantity of the target particles in the sample solution and the number of the target particles.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure determines whether a target DNA forms a G-quadruplex using a phenomenon in which thioflavin T generates a strong fluorescence when reacted with the G-quadruplex in the presence of potassium ions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting (e.g., by flow cytometry) a target compound, cell or particle, wherein the target is labelled with a detectable luminescent compound. The method comprises utilizing as the detectable luminescent compound a compound comprising a porphyrinic macrocycle such as a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, or isobacteriochlorin. In particular embodiments, the detectable luminescent compound comprises a compound of the formula A-A?-Z-B?-B, wherein: A is a targeting group or member of a specific binding pair that specifically binds the detectable luminescent compound to the target compound, cell or particle; A? is a linker group or covalent bond; B? is a linker group or covalent bond; B is a water-soluble group; and Z is the porphyrinic macrocycle.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for in vitro prognosticating and/or diagnosing cerebral cerebral malaria, wherein said method comprises a step of detecting non-erythroid spectrin or fragments thereof, and/or antibodies directed against non-erythroid spectrin, in a biological sample. Reagents and kits for performing this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and optionally quantitating multiple analytes, including nucleic acid and/or polypeptide analytes, in particle-based assays that can be highly multiplexed. Compositions, systems, and kits related to the methods are also featured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X, wherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry.

Abstract: A mobile water analyzing system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes a basic unit and a test element configured to be inserted into the basic unit. The test element includes a sample line with an inlet opening configured to receive the water sample, a measuring section forming a measuring track and configured to allow the determination of an analyte, a pump opening, and a key reagent disposed inside the sample line. The basic unit includes a test element receptacle configured to hold the inserted test element, an analyzer with an analyzer measuring track formed by the measuring section, and a pump actuator cooperatively connected with the pump opening.

Abstract: Dyes and photoluminescent compounds based on polymethine dyes that contain at least one alkyl-phosphonate or substituted alkyl-phosphonate group, including the synthetic precursors, methods of synthesis, and applications thereof. Certain embodiments include heterocyclic ring systems and polymethine linkages selected such that the resulting polymethine dye is a cyanine dye, a merocyanine dye or a styryl dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent dye-labeled glucose analog, and a synthesis method and usage of the same, and more particularly, to novel glucose ? and ? anomers in which a fluorescent dye is labeled by O-1-glycosylation, an asymmetric synthesis method of the anomers, a molecular bioimaging method of the anomers, and a screening method of curing or preventing drugs for diseases related to glucose metabolism.

Abstract: In the present invention, it is demonstrated for the first time, the influence of electrical current on the ability of surface plasmons to amplify fluorescence signatures. An applied direct current across silver island films (SiFs) of low electrical resistance perturbs the fluorescence enhancement of close-proximity fluorophores. For a given applied current, surface plasmons in “just-continuous” low resistance films are sparsely available for fluorophore dipole coupling and hence the enhanced fluorescence is gated as a function of the applied current.

Abstract: There is provided a method of avoiding deterioration of the accuracy in the number of detected light-emitting particles due to that two or more light-emitting particles are encompassed at a time in the light detection region in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique, in the detection of an individual signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle by selectively detecting a signal having an intensity beyond a threshold value as a signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle in light intensity data produced through measuring light intensity during moving the position of a light detection region in a sample solution, the threshold value is set so that a signal indicating light from a light-emitting particle encompassed in a region narrower than the light detection region will be detected selectively.

Abstract: Techniques, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing molecular zipper tweezers and springs. In one aspect, a molecular device includes three molecular components including at least a passive side molecular component, a binding side molecular component and a target molecular component adapted to interact together as a zipper that separate two of the molecular components held together by molecular interaction forces.

Abstract: Fluorescence based sensing systems and methods that exploit xerogels are provided. Embodiments of the invention encompass a sensing system that includes: an optical excitation source emitting over a first predetermined wavelength range and capable of analog modulation over a predetermined frequency range; a sensor including a gel substrate incorporating within its matrix a receptor for molecular recognition of an analyte and a luminophore for signaling a recognition event relating to the analyte, the luminophore emitting an optical signal over a second predetermined wavelength range; a detection circuit including an optical detector for receiving the optical signal emitted by the luminophore and generating a photocurrent in dependence thereof; an excitation circuit that generates an analog signal for modulating the optical excitation source in dependence upon a digital control; and a read circuit for receiving the photocurrent and generating a digital output.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described. Generally, the nanosensors comprise a photoluminescent nanostructure and a polymer that interacts with the photoluminescent nanostructure. In some cases, the interaction between the polymer and the nanostructure can be non-covalent (e.g., via van der Waals interactions). The nanosensors comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent nanostructure may be particularly useful in determining the presence and/or concentration of relatively small molecules, in some embodiments. In addition, in some instances the nanosensors may be capable of determining relatively low concentrations of analytes, in some cases determining as little as a single molecule. In some embodiments, the interaction between the analyte and the nanosensor (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides dyes, reactive dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and cellular organelles. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes are also provided that comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been modified to provide beneficial properties.

Abstract: Optical detection of molecules using a biochip having at least one reagent immobilizing area designed to receive one or more reagents and at least one calibration structure with a predetermined height to provide a height reference for optical measurement is disclosed. When the calibration structure is illuminated by a probe beam of light, a first reflected beam of light is reflected off the calibration structure, and a second reflected beam of light is reflected off the reagent immobilizing area. The first reflected beam and the second reflected beam are compared to determine a height at the reagent immobilizing area.