Abstract: A method of performing data management in a high-speed data environment. The method includes collecting time-series information including multiple data types captured concurrently, and storing the collected time-series information in a process historian with organization, the organization occurring when the multiple data types are captured.

Abstract: A container holding, and a method of storing, freeze-dried biological samples. The container includes a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion. The chamber includes a wall, and the lower portion of the chamber is fluidly connected to the upper portion of the chamber such that, when liquid is received at the upper portion, the received liquid can pass to and accumulate in the lower portion. Further, the freeze-dried material is located in the lower portion, and the container includes a physical structure in the form of a stop protruding inwards from the wall, the physical structure being for inhibiting the freeze-dried material from moving from the lower portion of the chamber to the upper portion of the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller for use in a bioreactor for growing adherent mammalian cells and/or a cell separator for adherent mammalian cells. The impeller of the invention is designed to efficiently and rapidly lift a bed of settled cells and microcarrier beads at low rotational speeds. Cell growth and concomitant yield is therefore improved by maintaining the culture in an environment of low shear force.

Abstract: The present invention to relates to methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. The PCR reagents are bound to a solid matrix for easy processing and amplification of DNA samples.

Abstract: Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits which can be used to amplify nucleic acids with the advantage of decreasing user time and possible contamination. For easy processing and amplification of nucleic acid samples, the samples are bound to a solid support and used directly, without purification, in a nucleic acid amplification reaction such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of analyzing the motion of a biological object, particularly the motion of cultured organisms or cell cultures. The system and method of the invention may be used to determine the effect of a physical stimulus or a test agent on the motion of cell cultures. The system and method is of particular use in assessing the effect a chemical may have on the contractile motion of cardiomyocyte cell cultures.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system 100 for automated cellular assay data analysis. The system 100 comprises a virtual assay module (VAM) 115 operable to generate simulated images of cell responses to one or more stimuli. The system 100 also comprises a comparator module 116 operable to compare the actual and simulated images, and an analysis module 117 operable to quantify the differences between phenotypes represented by the actual and simulated images. Various aspects and embodiments of present invention may account for stochastic variations in the response of single cells, to provide additional useful information relating to, for example, toxological effects and/or for use as part of a feedback mechanism to refine dynamically a virtual assay model such that it is not limited by way of there being only inadequate static fitting expressions available.

Abstract: Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter. This provides an improved means of collecting a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (10) for collecting a biological sample, the device comprising an elongate handle (40) extending generally along a handle axis, and a sample collecting head (20) removably supported or supportable on the handle, the head being formed from a porous folded planar or sheet material, optionally including a plurality of arms (22-28 FIG. 2) each extending away from the handle axis in a different direction. An ejection handle is provided. Disclosed also is an efficient method for extracting DNA information from the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biological sample holder, a container for storing multiple holders, and an automated holder retrieval system. The sample holder may comprise an elongate generally planar support including a handle end and an opposing biological sample storage end, wherein, a substrate for accepting a biological sample is mounted to the holder at said sample storage end. Optionally the substrate is so mounted within a recess in the surface of the support and the recess has a local surface providing a reaction surface for allowing a sub-sample to be removed from the medium by mechanical action, such as cutting or punching. The container may include an array of wells each well being generally square or rectangular in plan and the holders dimensioned so that they are held diagonally in a respective well.

Abstract: Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device 600 comprising a collection portion 620 and a body portion 610, the body portion including a holding portion 652 for holding a biological sample storage medium (618 FIG. 1), and a sample collection/transfer means. The collection portion 620 can be arranged in a first position shown in FIG. 4, separated from the body portion for collecting a sample. The device employs depressible latches (630, 640 FIG. 6) to control the movements of the collection portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample.