Abstract: Methods and devices for forming droplets are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods and devices form droplets having different diameters. In particular embodiments, the device includes a fluid supply channel, a collection chamber, and one or more nozzles disposed between the fluid supply channel and the collection chamber. Each nozzle may include an inlet portion with a channel height, a first step with a first step height and a first tread length, and a second step with a second step height and a second tread length. In certain embodiments, the first step height is greater than the channel height, and the second step height is greater than the first step height.

Abstract: Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes that comprise a ribonucleotide position that is susceptible to endoribonuclease (e.g., RNase H) cleavage in the presence of target nucleic acid molecules. Probes of the embodiments may also comprise non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter and/or quenching moiety.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for using assay preparation plates comprising wells with two trenches are presented. More specifically, well plates are presented that comprising an array of wells configured to retain a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid during an assay procedure, each well in the array comprising a first trench and a second trench, wherein the working volume of each well is between about 25 uL and about 10 mL.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes that comprise a ribonucleotide position that is susceptible to endoribonuclease (e.g., RNase H) cleavage in the presence of target nucleic acid molecules. Probes of the embodiments may also comprise non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter and/or quenching moiety.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the rapid preparation of amplifiable nucleic acids from biological samples, which can be applied to various applications, such as, for example, point-of-care diagnostics, service laboratory diagnostics, and molecular biology applications. These methods can be performed in 15 minutes or less, and preferably in 5 minutes or less. For most applications, no further purification of nucleic acids is needed.

Abstract: A classifier engine provides cell morphology identification and cell classification in computer-automated systems, methods and diagnostic tools. The classifier engine performs multispectral segmentation of thousands of cellular images acquired by a multispectral imaging flow cytometer. As a function of imaging mode, different ones of the images provide different segmentation masks for cells and subcellular parts. Using the segmentation masks, the classifier engine iteratively optimizes model fitting of different cellular parts. The resulting improved image data has increased accuracy of location of cell parts in an image and enables detection of complex cell morphologies in the image. The classifier engine provides automated ranking and selection of most discriminative shape based features for classifying cell types.

Abstract: Methods and systems for magnetic mixing. Particular embodiments relate to applying a magnetic field to move a magnetically responsive component in a chamber.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for image data processing are provided. Embodiments for the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations to perform one or more of the following steps: background signal measurement, particle identification using classification dye emission and cluster rejection, inter-image alignment, inter-image particle correlation, fluorescence integration of reporter emission, and image plane normalization.

Abstract: A classifier engine provides cell morphology identification and cell classification in computer-automated systems, methods and diagnostic tools. The classifier engine performs multispectral segmentation of thousands of cellular images acquired by a multispectral imaging flow cytometer. As a function of imaging mode, different ones of the images provide different segmentation masks for cells and subcellular parts. Using the segmentation masks, the classifier engine iteratively optimizes model fitting of different cellular parts. The resulting improved image data has increased accuracy of location of cell parts in an image and enables detection of complex cell morphologies in the image. The classifier engine provides automated ranking and selection of most discriminative shape based features for classifying cell types.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes that comprise a ribonucleotide position that is susceptible to endoribonuclease (e.g., RNase H) cleavage in the presence of target nucleic acid molecules. Probes of the embodiments may also comprise non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter and/or quenching moiety.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cell lysis are disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to applying acoustic energy to a biological sample located in a sample chamber.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of cleavable probes that comprise a ribonucleotide position that is susceptible to endoribonuclease (e.g., RNase H) cleavage in the presence of target nucleic acid molecules. Probes of the embodiments may also comprise non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter and/or quenching moiety.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs and methods that provide superior prevention of primer-dimers and other artifacts of false priming events are disclosed. In particular, there is disclosed a hairpin primer having a target-specific primer region, wherein the target-specific region comprises a target-binding dependent cleavage sequence; a first stem forming region 5? of the target-specific primer region; and a second stem forming region 3? of the target-specific primer region, wherein the second stem forming region is complementary to the first stem forming region. Methods of using the hairpin primer to amplify a target nucleic acid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming droplets are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods and devices form droplets having different diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for image normalization using a Gaussian residual of fit selection criteria. The method may include acquiring a two-dimensional image of a plurality of particles, where the plurality of particles comprises a plurality of calibration particles, and identifying a calibration particle by correlating a portion of the image corresponding to the calibration particle to a mathematical model (e.g. Gaussian fit). The measured intensity of the calibration particle may then be used to normalize the intensity of the image.