Abstract: Particles dispersed in a liquid are assembled in a configuration in which all the particles lie in the same plane, and the assembled particles are processed while in that configuration. The assembled particles can for example be simultaneously exposed to electromagnetic radiation which elicits from the particles a response which provides information about the particles. The particles can for example be cells, cell fragments, or analyte-bearing beads of the type conventionally analyzed in a cytometer.

Abstract: Novel thickeners for oil-containing compositions are crystalline polymers, preferably side chain crystalline polymers, which (a) have a crystalline melting point, Tp, and an onset of melting temperature, To, such that Tp?To is less than Tp0.7; (b) are soluble in the oil at temperatures above Tp, and (c) have been dispersed in the oil by a process which comprises (i)dissolving the polymer in the oil at a temperature above Tp, and (ii) cooling the solution from step (i) to crystallize the polymer in the oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring an object from a first conveyor to a second conveyor, the apparatus having a drive roller; a guide having a first end and a length, the first end being positioned adjacent the drive roller; a guide roller, the guide roller being magnetic and positioned adjacent to the guide along the length of the guide; and a conveyor positioned around the drive roller, the guide, and the guide roller; wherein the conveyor has a ferrous component causing the conveyor to be moveably coupled to the guide roller.

Abstract: A method for preventing or for treating cancer in a mammal, where the cancer cells express at least a part of an alpha fetoprotein molecule at the cell surface. The method comprises creating an immune response in the mammal to at least part of the amino acid sequence of an alpha fetoprotein molecule, where the immune response comprises activating alpha fetoprotein peptide specific T lymphocytes against the cancer cells, and where the part of the alpha fetoprotein molecule is selected from the group consisting of residues 137–145 of SEQ ID NO:2, and residues 325–334 of SEQ ID NO:2 and a combination of the preceeding.

Abstract: A version-compatible data processing system including an application program for user interaction with stored data, the application program including means for generating, storing, and retrieving data files that each have an array of the data objects, the means for retrieving including means for determining recognition of the object type of each object, and means for retrieving each unrecognized object without processing.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, stable electroosmotic flow systems and methods for designing the same are disclosed. The invention provides electroosmotic flow systems comprising electroosmotic flow elements, including bridge elements, that have matching flux ratios, i.e., when two or more elements of an electroosmotic flow system are in fluidic and electrical communication at a junction, the flux ratio for each of the elements is selected so that the difference in flux ratios of any two elements is less than a target value. The invention also provides methods for designing such systems. Also disclosed is a novel design for the terminal portions of electroosmotic flow (EOF) and bridge elements and for junctions in electroosmotic flow systems, whereby the elements are designed so that the terminal current flux is much smaller than the element current flux.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection device provides reduced dispersion of axial concentration gradients in a flowing sample. The microfluidic detection device includes a cell body and a flow path through the cell body. The flow path has an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and a central segment, which forms a detection cell. The central segment is located between and at an angle with both the inlet segment and the outlet segment. The central segment has a first junction with the inlet segment and a second junction with the outlet segment. The cell body contains two arms that can transmit light to and from the detection cell. At least a portion of a first arm is located in the first junction and at least a portion of a second arm is located in the second junction. The portions of the arms located in the junctions are situated so that fluid entering or exiting the central segment of the flow path flows around the outer surface of one of the portions.

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprising a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover is disclosed. The frame employs a pair of opposed upright end members, an upper support bar connecting the upright end members, and an attachment bar connected to at least one of the upright end members which is movable up and down along a portion of the end member. The frame further includes a releasable fastener for fastening the attachment bar to the bed.