Abstract: Methods of assessing cytolysis of cancer cells are provided, which include: providing a cell-substrate impedance monitoring device operably connected to an impedance analyzer, adding target cells characterized as cancer cells to a well of the device adding effector cells to the well to form a test well, where the effector cells are immune cells obtained or derived from a same patient as the target cells; monitoring cell-substrate impedance of the test well before and after adding the effector cells and optionally deriving an impedance-based parameter from the impedance; and determining effectiveness of effector cell killing of the target cells by comparing the impedance or impedance-based curves over time.

Abstract: An implement for eliminating headspace in the testing space(s) (T9 or MPWell) of a test tube (T) or microtiter plate (MP), and methods of using such implements to measure oxygen concentration in a test sample. The implement projects into a test chamber (T9 or MPWell) to displace a portion of a fluid sample within the test chamber (T9 or MPWell) and has longitudinally extending grooves (109 and 229) through which the displaced fluidic content can be discharged from the test chamber (T9 or MPWell).

Abstract: A sampling unit for handling a sample fluid includes a sample container having a length and being configured for receiving and storing the sample fluid, and a sample segment dispatching unit configured for providing a plurality of individual sample packages of the fluidic sample, each contained in a respective volume segment along the length of the sample container, and for individually dispatching each of the plurality of individual sample packages for further processing in a fluid processing unit. The sample unit may be utilized, for example, for injecting the sample packages into a mobile phase stream for transporting to a sample separating unit such as a chromatography column.

Abstract: An autoclaving microplate washing system for cells and non-adhering three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures includes one or more pumps for controlling the dispensing of washing fluid and the evacuation of fluid from microwells to gently wash the cells. A method of controlling the autoclaving microplate washing system includes controlling the one or more pumps for dispensing and evacuation.

Abstract: A system for electronically and optically monitoring biological samples, the system including: a multi-well plate having a plurality of wells configured to receive a plurality of biological samples, each of the wells having a set of electrodes and a transparent window on a bottom surface of the well that is free of electrodes; an illumination module configured to illuminate the wells; a cradle configured to receive the multi-well plate, the cradle having an opening on the bottom that exposes the transparent windows of the wells; and an optical imaging module movable across different wells of a same multi-well plate to capture images through the windows.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue is prepared removing paraffin from the tissue. The paraffin is removed by generating an electric field effective to produce plasma and direct charged species of the plasma to the paraffin, thereby rendering the paraffin responsive to the electric field. The electric field may move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrostatic force. Movement of the paraffin may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. Movement of the paraffin also may be assisted by applying a solvent and/or heat energy to the tissue.

Abstract: In some examples, linear and non-linear range-based plot pane selection may include receiving data that is to be displayed. Based on an increase or a decrease in a size of a range selector, a selection of a range of plot panes may be received from a plurality of available plot panes to display the data. Based on the received selection of the range of plot panes, a display of the data may be generated in plot panes included in the range of plot panes. The size of the range selector may be non-linearly proportional to the available plot panes to display the data.

Abstract: In some examples, a multi-device removal and installation tool may include a device removal tool including a first side having a first receiver with a first dimension that removably receives a first device, and a second side having a second receiver with a second dimension that removably receives a second device. The first dimension may be different from the second dimension. Further, the first receiver may include a plurality of separators to separate a surface of the first receiver from a surface of the first device.

Abstract: Methods and kits for next-generation sequencing are disclosed. In some embodiments, the present methods comprise sequencing an insert and sequencing an insert without an intervening denaturation step. Decreased sequencing signal from insert sequences, the use of unlabeled nucleotides to form double stranded insert constructs, and the use of synthesis blocking nucleotides are also discussed.

Abstract: In some examples, a vessel mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar. The second collar may include a clip engageable with an edge of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

Abstract: In some examples, a vessel mounting system may include a first collar including at least one flexible member engageable with a groove of a vessel to align the first collar relative to the vessel. A second collar may include at least one clip engageable with a complementary clip of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

Abstract: In some examples, a vessel mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar. The second collar may include at least one positioning member to position the second collar relative to the first collar. Further, the second collar may include at least one interlocking member to lock the second collar to the first collar.

Abstract: In some examples, a vessel mounting system may include a first collar including at least one protrusion engageable with a groove of a vessel to align the first collar relative to the vessel. A second collar may include at least one stud disposable in a corresponding aperture of the first collar to align the second collar relative to the first collar.

Abstract: Provided herein is an ion source containing a plurality of components, at least one of which is partially coated with a layer of silicon. The ion source reduces reactivity between the sample and the carrier gas, reduces or eliminates tailing in ion chromatograms, and/or improves mass spectral fidelity. Also provided are methods of using the ion source in a mass spectrometer or gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.

Abstract: In some examples, a multi-device removal and installation tool may include a device removal tool including catch members engageable with an engagement face of a device to attach, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device removal tool to the device. The catch members may engage the engagement face with a removal force that is sufficient to remove, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device from an instrument. The multi-device removal and installation tool may further include a torque limit tool including a retainer having at least one protrusion, and a drive member having an inside surface and an outside surface. The torque limit tool may further include at least one detent positioned on the inside surface.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly includes a first balancing magnet positioned and surrounding drive magnets and, across a gap, a second balancing magnet and surrounding driven magnets. The drive magnets when rotated drive the driven magnets to rotate. The balancing magnets generate a repulsive force, which counterbalances an attractive force generated by the drive magnets and driven magnets. The assembly may be utilized in a pump for contactless coupling of a motor shaft to a pump shaft. The driven side of the assembly may be hermetically sealed, such as with a liquid crystal polymer boundary interposed in the gap.

Abstract: Mutant polymerases are provided that have improved ability to incorporate modified nucleotides, including 3?-OH unblocked reversible terminators. The mutant polymerases may be used in a variety of applications, such as for polynucleotide sequencing, primer extension reactions, and template-independent enzymatic oligonucleotide synthesis.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus includes a first-dimension separation unit for separating the fluidic sample, having a first-dimension outlet for outputting the fluidic sample or fractions thereof, and a second-dimension separation unit for further separating the fluidic sample or fractions thereof. The second-dimension separation unit has a second-dimension inlet fluidically coupled to the first-dimension outlet. A modulation unit, coupled between the first-dimension outlet and the second-dimension inlet at a first coupling point, is configured for withdrawing fluid from the first coupling point and for ejecting fluid into the first coupling point. A second-dimension fluid drive is coupled to a second coupling point located between the first-dimension outlet and the second-dimension inlet and downstream from the first coupling point.

Abstract: A discharge muffler for a fluid pump is formed by a cowling and a muffler insert configured to be removably inserted into a muffler receptacle of the cowling. The muffler insert includes a muffler inlet, a muffler outlet, and a plurality of muffler walls. The pump includes a pumping stage, a motor, and a drive shaft coupled between the pumping stage and the motor. When the muffler insert is inserted into the muffler receptacle, the muffler inlet communicates with the pumping stage, and the cowling and the muffler insert cooperatively define the discharge muffler. The discharge muffler is configured or effective to suppress noise generated by fluid discharged from the pumping stage.