Abstract: Provided herein is an electrophoresis separation medium comprising: (a) a non-crosslinked or sparsely cross-linked polymer or copolymer; (b) one or more denaturant compounds, in an amount sufficient to inhibit re-naturation of single stranded polynucleotides; (c) an aqueous solvent; (d) optionally, a wall-coating material suited to inhibition of electroosmotic flow; and (e) optionally, an organic water miscible solvent such as DMSO or acetonitrile, wherein the electrophoresis separation medium exhibits functional stability for at least seven days at 23° C. Also provided herein are sieving compositions, including polymer-based sieving compositions, for molecular sieving as well as related kits, devices and methods of use. Such compositions can be useful for separation of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycans.

Abstract: A cartridge module comprising a cartridge receptacle configured to receive and hold a cartridge that comprises a plurality of chambers and fluidic channels and a plurality of valves for regulating fluid flow to and from the chambers via the fluidic channels; a manifold configured to engage a first side of the cartridge and thereby bring the chambers in fluidic communication with a source of positive pressure or negative pressure; and a plurality of springs configured to actuate a thermocycling device.

Abstract: An instrument includes a fluidic cartridge having a body comprising a malleable material and a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the body that seals one or more fluidic channels that communicate with one or more valve bodies formed in a surface of the body. The valve can be closed by applying pressure to the deformable material sufficient to close off a fluidic channel in the body. A cartridge interface is configured to engage the cartridge.

Abstract: A system for automated forensic data analysis includes a processor in communication with stored instructions, wherein upon execution of the instructions the processor is configured to: analyze a forensic biological data file; and determine, based on the analysis, that the forensic biological data file does not meet a quality criteria for forensic searching. In response to determining the quality criteria is not met, the processor is configured to automatically initiate communication with one or more remote computers to request a review of the forensic biological data file; and receive information about the review.

Abstract: An automated forensic data analysis system enabled for crowd-sourcing expert review comprises a logic processor with a memory or storage configured with logic instructions to provide or facilitate: a data-accessing module for reading and reviewing an original forensic biological data file; an evaluation module for determining whether the original forensic biological data file meets quality criteria for uploading to a forensic matching or identification service or database; and a crowd-sourcing expert review module for communicating with one or more experts for review of the data file when quality criteria or not met and receiving notifications and results from the one or more experts.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing electropherograms provided through a communications network from one or more forensic field test devices to a central communications hub, wherein the forensic field test devices are configured to perform a biological assay analysis, the method implemented using one or more processors programmed with instruction to implement the method comprising receiving, at the central communications hub, one or more electropherograms transmitted through the communication network from the forensic field test devices; scoring each electropherogram based on one or more criteria; placing the one or more electropherograms in a queue for review; matching at least a subset of the electropherograms with each of one or more service providers; based on the matching, transmitting at least the subset to the one or more of the service providers for review; receiving reviewed electropherograms from the one or more service providers; and performing forensic analysis using the reviewed electrop

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for review of forensic report computer files. The can include a logic processor with a memory or storage configured with logic instructions to provide or facilitate: a data-accessing module for reading and reviewing an original forensic biological data file; an evaluation module for determining whether the original forensic biological data file meets quality criteria for uploading to a forensic matching or identification service or database; and a crowd-sourcing expert review module for communicating with one or more experts for review of the data file when quality criteria or not met and receiving notifications and results from the one or more experts.

Abstract: A system for outputting electropherograms includes a capillary containing a separation medium and comprising an inlet end, a distal end, and an interrogation region between the inlet and distal ends, the inlet end of the capillary configured to receive a plurality of differing samples containing DNA fragments having a plurality of different sizes; a power source configured to selectively apply forward and reverse polarity voltages between the inlet end and the distal end of the capillary; a detector configured to detect signal associated with DNA fragments moving through the interrogation region of the capillary; and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector and configured to process signal detected by the detector and output electropherograms during an electrophoresis run, the electropherograms corresponding to a plurality of differing samples successively introduced to the capillary from the inlet and traveling through the capillary at the same time.

Abstract: A method includes providing a system comprising an electrophoresis cartridge interface that releasably engages with an electrophoresis cartridge that includes an anode, a cathode, and at least one electrophoresis capillary that is in fluid communication with the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: An instrument includes a fluidic cartridge having a body comprising a malleable material and a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the body that seals one or more fluidic channels that communicate with one or more valve bodies formed in a surface of the body. The valve can be closed by applying pressure to the deformable material sufficient to close off a fluidic channel in the body. A cartridge interface is configured to engage the cartridge.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrophoresis separation medium comprising: (a) a non-crosslinked or sparsely cross-linked polymer or copolymer; (b) one or more denaturant compounds, in an amount sufficient to inhibit re-naturation of single stranded polynucleotides; (c) an aqueous solvent; (d) optionally, a wall-coating material suited to inhibition of electroosmotic flow; and (e) optionally, an organic water miscible solvent such as DMSO or acetonitrile, wherein the electrophoresis separation medium exhibits functional stability for at least seven days at 23° C. Also provided herein are sieving compositions, including polymer-based sieving compositions, for molecular sieving as well as related kits, devices and methods of use. Such compositions can be useful for separation of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycans.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for review of forensic report computer files. The method can involve notifying a plurality of service providers of a job to be performed, accepting a bid from a service provider to perform the job, providing the computer file to the service provider, receiving from the service provider a forensic result such as a reviewed file.

Abstract: A system for performing capillary electrophoresis of multiple samples comprises a capillary containing a separation medium and having inlet and distal ends and an interrogation region; a power source configured to apply voltages between inlet and distal ends; and logic to cause execution of: applying a first substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary; before all of the first DNA fragments have passed the interrogation region, applying a reverse polarity voltage pulse to the capillary, thereby transporting at least some of the first DNA fragments in the capillary toward the capillary inlet; introducing a second sample to the capillary inlet, the second sample comprising second DNA fragments having a plurality of different sizes; and applying a second substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary to simultaneously perform electrophoresis on the second DNA fragments and the first DNA fragments.

Abstract: An electrophoresis cartridge can include an integrated electrophoresis assembly including an anode sub-assembly comprising an anode, a cathode sub-assembly comprising a cathode; and at least one electrophoresis capillary having a first end in fluid communication with the cathode sub-assembly and a second end in fluid communication with the anode sub-assembly. The cartridge can further include a reagent container comprising electrophoresis buffer; a fluid conduit in fluidic communication with the reagent container; a pump in fluidic communication with the fluid conduit, the pump configured to transfer the electrophoresis buffer through the fluid conduit from the reagent container to the passage of the cathode sub-assembly; and a sample inlet port and at least one sample line, wherein the sample line places the sample inlet port in fluidic communication with the first end of the electrophoresis capillary through a passage in the cathode sub-assembly.

Abstract: An instrument includes a fluidic cartridge having a body comprising a malleable material and a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the body that seals one or more fluidic channels that communicate with one or more valve bodies formed in a surface of the body. The valve can be closed by applying pressure to the deformable material sufficient to close off a fluidic channel in the body. A cartridge interface is configured to engage the cartridge.

Abstract: Provided herein is a fluidic cartridge having a body comprising a malleable material and a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the body that seals one or more fluidic channels that communicate with one or more valve bodies formed in a surface of the body. The valve can be closed by applying pressure to the deformable material sufficient to crush and close off a fluidic channel in the body. Also provided are a cartridge interface configured to engage the cartridge. Also provided is a system including a cartridge interface and methods of using the cartridge and system.

Abstract: A live help provider graphical user interface depicting a provider graphical representation of a client device located at a user location and respective provider graphical representations of additional devices located at the user location in a manner that identifies each of the additional devices and depicts a spatial relationship of each of the additional devices relative to the client device at the user location.

Abstract: A system for controlling custody of a sample can include a cartridge comprising a sample receptacle configured to receive an article configured to deliver a sample to the cartridge, a cartridge module having a cartridge receptacle configured to receive the cartridge; a housing enclosing the cartridge module and the cartridge. The housing can include a closable door; at least one sensor configured to produce a signal indicating: insertion or removal of an article into or from the sample receptacle; whether the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle; or whether the door is open or closed. The system can further include a computer programmed to record a signal from the at least one sensor for a recording period of time and to display a signal history to a user.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow in a fluid channel of fluidic cartridge can include closing a valve by actuating a mechanical actuator against the valve to force a deformable layer against walls of a valve body, wherein the valve body comprises a valve inlet and a valve outlet and each of the valve inlet and valve outlet are fluidically coupled to a fluidic channel; releasing the valve by retracting the mechanical actuator away from the valve body; and moving liquid through the valve by applying positive or negative pressure to the fluidic channel.