Abstract: A microfluidic diagnostic device comprises a base and at least one switch coupled to a portion of the base, the switch comprising a flap that is pivotable with respect to the base from a first position spaced away from the base a first distance to a second position where the flap is spaced away from the base a second distance. Both the base and the switch comprise one or more channels that permit passive transportation of an aqueous solution. The switch may be formed by bending or deforming a strip to cause the flap to be in the first position when there is less than a predetermined amount of fluid within the channel of switch. When a predetermined amount of fluid is in the channel of the switch, the flap pivots to the second position, which may be achieved through power from gravity, capillarity, and/or inherent elastic energy.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I and II are described. In formulae I and II, X is —NH— or —S— and Y is —CH? or —N?. In formula I, Z is C1-C6 alkylene, C2-C6 alkenylene, C6-C10 arylene, or C3-C6 cycloalkylene, or Z is absent. In formula I, R is hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NO2, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C6-C10aryl, —O(C1-C6 alkyl), or —O(C6-C10 aryl), wherein each hydrogen atom in C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C6-C10 aryl, —O(C1-C6 alkyl), and —O(C6-C10 aryl) is independently optionally substituted by halogen, —OH, or —NO2. In formula II, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, —OH, —NO2, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, or C6-C10 aryl, wherein each hydrogen atom in C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, and C6-C10 aryl is independently optionally substituted by halogen, —OH, or —NO2. Methods of inhibiting bacteria are also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for introducing molecular switch functionality into a protein affinity reagent to render its binding to a target molecule sensitive to an environmental trigger, such as pH, while maintaining binding affinity to the target molecule. Combinatorial libraries created by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for integrating adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) with communication features in an enclosure, such as an incubator, bed, and the like. Utilizing one or more error and reference microphones, a controller for a noise cancellation portion reduces noise within a quiet area of the enclosure. Voice communications are provided to allow external voice signals to be transmitted to the enclosure with minimized interference with noise processing. Vocal communications from within the enclosure may be processed to determine certain characteristics/features of the vocal communications. Using these characteristics, certain emotive and/or physiological states may be identified.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for integrating adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) with communication features in an enclosure, such as an incubator, bed, and the like. Utilizing one or more error and reference microphones, a controller for a noise cancellation portion reduces noise within a quiet area of the enclosure. Voice communications are provided to allow external voice signals to be transmitted to the enclosure with minimized interference with noise processing. Vocal communications from within the enclosure may be processed to determine certain characteristics/features of the vocal communications. Using these characteristics, certain emotive and/or physiological states may be identified.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for integrating adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) with communication features in an enclosure, such as an incubator, bed, and the like. Utilizing one or more error and reference microphones, a controller for a noise cancellation portion reduces noise within a quiet area of the enclosure. Voice communications are provided to allow external voice signals to be transmitted to the enclosure with minimized interference with noise processing. Vocal communications from within the enclosure may be processed to determine certain characteristics/features of the vocal communications. Using these characteristics, certain emotive and/or physiological states may be identified.