Abstract: Disclosed is an automated method and apparatus for automatically setting a drop delay period by detecting calibration particles in a waste stream. The drop delay is incremented over a series of drop delays and the number of calibration particles in the waste stream is detected for each drop delay. The drop delay is selected which has the least number of calibration particles in the waste stream.

Abstract: An analytical device including an optically opaque cladding, a sequencing layer including a substrate disposed below the cladding, and a waveguide assembly for receiving optical illumination and introducing illumination into the device. The illumination may be received from a top, a side edge, and a bottom of the device. The waveguide assembly may include a nanoscale aperture disposed in the substrate and extending through the cladding. The aperture defines a reaction cell for receiving a set of reactants. In various aspects, the device includes a sensor element and the illumination pathway is through the sensor element. Waveguides and illumination devices, such as plasmonic illumination devices, are also disclosed. Methods for forming and operating the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fluorescence detection is provided and includes mixing a fluorescence detecting reagent into a sample, placing the sample into a sample tray, where the sample tray includes at least a row of blank slots and at least a row of sampling slots. Then, exposing the sample tray to a background light, and obtaining a grayscale background image of the sample tray.

Abstract: A material for use in vacuum bagging a component. The material includes a compound sensitive to moisture, such that an exposure of the compound to moisture or wetting causes a physical and/or chemical change in the compound that is visually detectable in the cover material. A method of leak detection during vacuum bagging involves the steps of: arranging a component in a vacuum bagging assembly, such as to form a fibre-reinforced plastic component; arranging a material according to the invention in the vacuum bagging assembly such that the compound sensitive to wetting or moisture is under, or on an inner side of, a sealing film or vacuum bag of the assembly; applying a vacuum to the vacuum bagging assembly to evacuate a space containing the component and sealed by the sealing film or vacuum bag; and wetting an outer surface of the sealing film or vacuum bag.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of a blood sample are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of detecting and enumerating hard-to-ghost cells in a blood sample. Another embodiments is a method of analyzing reticulocytes in a blood sample. Methods of using blood count parameters are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, kits and methods for assaying analytes using photoelectrochemical molecules as labels. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for assaying an analyte, comprising: a) contacting a sample suspected of containing an analyte with a reactant capable of binding and/or reacting with the analyte under suitable conditions to allow binding of analyte, if present in the sample, to the reactant; and b) assessing binding and/or reacting between the analyte and the reactant to determine presence and/or amount of analyte in the sample, wherein the reactant, analyte, or additional reactant or additional analyte or analyte analog is labeled with a photoelectrochemically active molecule.

Abstract: Novel iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, conjugates comprising these complexes as a label and their application, for example in electrochemiluminescence based detection of an analyte.

Abstract: A method for 3D recording of data on a medium formed from a transparent photosensitive material including at least one dopant. The method includes a first step of calibrating and checking a pulsed light source including calibrating the number of pulses, the level of fluence of each pulse emitted and the rate of the pulses and a step of inscribing an area of the material. The fluence of each pulse emitted, the number of pulses and the rate of the pulses are suitable for irradiating the material in the area so as to form fluorescent clusters stabilized from the dopant while minimizing the modification of the refractive index and the absorption coefficient of the medium in a wavelength range from visible to near infrared.

Abstract: A method for the transformation of material (e.g. plastic material) into an optically modulating state via laser radiation is described. The optically modulating state may be a state in which light is emitted at a different wavelength than it is absorbed. The plastic material to may be a thermoplastic or elastomeric material, or an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polycycloolefin. The laser radiation may comprise the application of an amount of energy of about 0.1 nJoule/?m2 to about 100 ?Joule/?m2 and/or may comprise a radiation of a wavelength of about 355 nm to about 1064 nm. The optically modulating state of the plastic material may absorb light in a wavelength spectrum of about 380 nm to about 540 nm and/or a wavelength spectrum of about 635 nm to about 655 nm. The optically modulating state of the plastic material may emit light in a wavelength spectrum of about 550 nm to about 800 nm.

Abstract: A biochip for diagnostic purposes comprises a sample carrier made of a solid matrix, on the surface of said sample carrier is bound the sample material to be analysed which originates from a biological organism.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and devices for the in situ synthesis of nucleic acids. In an exemplary embodiment, a support-bound oligonucleotide is elongated by addition of one or more nucleotides by hybridization of a partially double-stranded oligonucleotide, ligation and removal of unwanted nucleotides.

Abstract: A surrogate addition device is described that adds a surrogate compound at a uniform transport rate to a flowing sample stream. The surrogate addition device includes a surrogate reservoir, a flow chamber, and a diffusion barrier. The surrogate reservoir can be configured to contain a surrogate solution where the surrogate solution includes a surrogate compound. The flow chamber includes an inlet port and an outlet port. At least a portion of the diffusion barrier is disposed in between the surrogate reservoir and the flow chamber. The diffusion barrier may include an inner surface that forms a wall of the surrogate reservoir, and an outer surface that forms a wall of the flow chamber. The flow chamber can be configured to receive a flowing sample solution across the outer surface of the diffusion barrier and also to diffuse the surrogate compound from the surrogate reservoir to the flow chamber.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A method of performing a bioassay comprising activating capsules containing a signal precursor that is hydrolysable from a latent form in which substantially no signal is generated to a form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal, said activating comprising treating said capsules with heat and with an acid or a base catalysing solution, the combination of said heat and the pH of the catalysing solution being such as to hydrolyse said precursor to the form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal.

Abstract: A single molecule or molecule complex detection method is disclosed in certain aspects, comprising nano- or micro-fluidic channels.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for analyzing a chemical analyte using an electrochemical cell connected to a measuring apparatus are provided. The electrochemical cell contains a solution having one or more conductive or redox active NPs (nanoparticles), one or more chemical analytes, and an indicator. In addition, the electrochemical cell contains one or more electrodes in communication with the solution. One or more catalytic ECL properties are generated by the interaction of the one or more conductive or redox active NPs and the liquid sample and measured at the one or more electrodes or with an optical detection system.

Abstract: A method for high-resolution luminescence microscopy of a sample marked with marking molecules that can be activated to excite particular luminescent radiation, including: repeated activation of a subset of the marking molecules to emit luminescent radiation; repeated imaging of the sample along a depth direction and with a predetermined optical resolution; and producing images from the repeated imaging. Locations of the marking molecules are determined with a spatial resolution that is increased above the predetermined optical resolution. Activation of the marking molecules can be through radiation introduced into multiple regions, each extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the depth direction. The regions can be arranged so that the regions are behind one another and overlap only partially. Separate images of the sample may be recorded for activation in each of the regions in order to obtain depth information relating to the marking molecules from the separate images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoded microcarrier comprising a readable code attached to it for identification, said encoded microcarrier comprising a body having at least a detection surface to detect a chemical and/or biological reaction, the microcarrier further comprising at least a spacing element projecting from the body and shaped to ensure that, when the encoded microcarrier is laid on a flat plane with the detection surface facing said flat plane, a gap exists between said flat plane and the detection surface. The invention also relates to an assay device designed to use a plurality of said encoded microcarriers to perform assays. The invention relates finally to a method for monitoring a chemical or biological reaction.

Abstract: In the scanning molecule counting method using the light measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, a measuring time is optimized with suppressing the scattering in a result small irrespective of light-emitting particle concentrations. In the inventive technique of detecting and analyzing the light from an light-emitting particle, there are repeated processes of detecting the light intensity from a light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region of an optical system in a sample solution by changing the optical path of the optical system of the microscope, and detecting the signals of the light of light-emitting particles individually, and based on the time taken for the number of the signals from the light-emitting particles to reach a predetermined number, the light-emitting particle concentration in the sample solution is determined.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for performing droplet-based assays that are controlled and/or calibrated using signals detected from droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies of an individual, comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane fragments or blood group antigens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system.

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: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of providing detection probes being labeled with a first reporter, which detection probes are capable of binding to the analyte, providing a solid support, providing capture probes being bound or capable of binding to the solid support, which capture probes are capable of binding to the analyte, thus concentrating the analyte on the solid support, contacting the sample with the detection probes, the solid support and the capture probes, and detecting the detection probes, wherein the detection of detection probes is conducted in the presence of quenching probes binding to surplus detection probes not being bound to the analyte and thereby quenching at least partially an emission of the first reporter of said surplus detection probes and/or the solid support is labeled with a second reporter different from the first reporter, imaging the sample at an emission wavelength of the second reporter, generating a m

Abstract: The invention relates to novel and improved photostable rhodamine dyes of the general structural formulae I or II and their uses as fluorescent markers, e.g. for immunostainings and spectroscopic and microscopic applications, in particular in conventional and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring an oxygen content in a liquid or gaseous sample has first and second sensor sections (14a, 14b). The first sensor section (14a) can be brought into contact with the sample and has a luminescent indicator dye embedded in an oxygen-permeable first polymer matrix. The second sensor section (14b) is arranged adjacent to the first sensor section (14a) and includes the same dye embedded in an oxygen-impermeable second polymer matrix. A light guide (10) guides luminescence excitation light from a light source (31, 32) to the sensor sections (14a, 14b) and guides luminescence emission light from the sensor section (14a, 14b) to a detector (39).

Abstract: A device for holding a sample for optical fingerprinting analysis comprises a carrier, and a distribution of non-specific interacting surfaces extending across said carrier. At least one fluidic channel allows a fluid sample to flow through at least a part of said carrier to get in touch with one or more of said non-specific interacting surfaces. One or more optical windows adjacent to said non-specific interacting surfaces enable optical analysis of results of said sample getting in touch with said non-specific interacting surfaces at multiple locations of the carrier.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: Provided is an optical sensing membrane, including a mixture of two or more fluorescent dyes for detection of dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and temperature, immobilized on a support, a detection device including the optical sensing membrane and a detection method using the detection device.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed optoelectronic methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that is responsive to the presence of an analyte of interest and that may be interrogated optically by the use of at least one light source and at least one light detector.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a fluorescence analysis method that enables analysis (including imaging) of in vivo substances, etc., using antigen-antibody reactions to be carried out simply, at high sensitivity, and yet continuously and in real time.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a portable device that conveniently applies cancer patient blood sample into a test strip to determine the level of the patient's metastatic circulating tumor cells. Proper use of this device provides end users with the diagnostic and prognostic information of the cancer patient, and any effect of applied therapies. The device can also be used to screen effective drugs for any known metastatic phenotype disruption.

Abstract: An optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor for capillary gas chromatography in which a sample fluid is injected into a capillary in the form of a periodic pulse train. Each individual pulse defines a moving polarization coupling zone that affects the polarization state of the light propagating in a birefringent optical waveguide that includes the capillary. The spacing between consecutive coupling zones can be made equal to the polarization beat length of the waveguide when the injection frequency of the pulses is properly selected, thus defining a resonance condition for a given analyte. The contributions of the successive coupling zones present along the length of the capillary then add up in phase, thus resulting in a detected optical signal having an enhanced amplitude peak at the injection frequency. In this manner, the sensitivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: Methods comprising the use of photoactivated chemical bleaching for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The method further includes the steps of contacting the sample comprising the bound probe with an electron transfer reagent and irradiating the sample, thereby initiating a photoreaction that substantially inactivates the probe by photoactivated chemical bleaching. The method further includes the steps of binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The process of binding, observing and bleaching may be iteratively repeated.

Abstract: A FRET donor-acceptor pair for use as a biosensor, comprising at least two fluorescence proteins, wherein at least one fluorescence protein is stable with respect to a parameter to be detected by the biosensor and at least one fluorescence protein is unstable with respect to the parameter to be detected by the biosensor.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: Modified branched polymers are combined with bioactive agents which are one member of a binding pair for use in an assay.

Abstract: A portable biochemical testing apparatus and operating method thereof are disclosed. The portable biochemical testing apparatus includes a light source module, a sample module, a photoconductive material layer, a touch module, and a control module. At least one sample is disposed in the sample module. The photoconductive material layer is disposed between the sample module and the light source module. The touch module generates a driving signal according to a touch action of the user to drive the light source module to emit a light. When the light is emitted to the photoconductive material layer, the photoconductive material layer will generate a photoelectric driving effect. The at least one sample is affected by the photoelectric driving effect and generates a change corresponding to the touch action.

Abstract: A enhancing reagent for enhancing chemiluminescence of 1,2-dioxetane compounds and a method for using the enhancing reagent to enhance the chemiluminescence are provided, in which the enhancing reagent contains an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I. A chemiluminescent composition with a 1,2-dioxetane compound as a substrate and a kit thereof are further provided, which contain a 1,2-dioxetane compound and an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I.

Abstract: A method for biosensing that includes passing, via convective flow, a sample believed to contain one or more target biomarkers through a microfluidic channel and over the surface of an optical waveguide that has been prepared to bind the one or more target biomarkers, and sensing for an emission output from the optical waveguide at a wavelength that is characteristic of the binding of the target biomarker. A biosensor device that includes a module defining at least one microfluidic channel, an optical waveguide exposed along at least a portion of its length to fluid flow within the microfluidic channel, where a surface of the optical waveguide being prepared to bind a target biomarker, and an excitation source to couple an excitation wavelength of light into the optical waveguide. The device also includes a sensor for detecting emission light from the optical waveguide at an emission wavelength characteristic of binding of the target biomarker.

Abstract: The present invention provides luminescent complexes between a lanthanide ion and an organic ligand which contains 1,2-hydroxypyridinone units. The complexes of the invention are stable in aqueous solutions and are useful as molecular probes, for example in medical diagnostics and bioanalytical assay systems. The invention also provides methods of using the complexes of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of molecular mechanisms associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) in fungal infections. More specifically, fungi harbor a nuclear receptor-like pathway controlling MDR, which represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MDR in pathogenic fungi such as C. glabrata.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.

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: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample are for use with an irradiating device. First fluorophores are provided for absorption of EMF radiation, and emission of a first signal. Second fluorophores are provided for partial absorption of the first signal, and emission of a second signal distinguishable from the first signal. The fluorophores are combined with the test sample, and secured to the target molecules and relative to one another. After the first fluorophores receive the EMF radiation from the irradiating device, the first signal is detected, together with the second spectral signal if the target molecules are present in the test sample.

Abstract: A method for analyzing chemical and/or biological samples comprises the production of a particle image (42) of at least one particle included in the sample. Subsequently, a particle surface (10) of the at least one particle included in the particle image (42) is divided into particle zones (14,18). According to the invention, zone-dependent particle data are subsequently acquired in different states (z1, z2, z3), which then can be evaluated.