Abstract: Kits, methods and systems for providing a service to provide a subject with information regarding the state of a subject's DNA damage. Collection, processing and analysis of samples are also described.

Abstract: Provide is a sample analysis tool whose reactivity and reproducibility in analysis can be prevented from decreasing. The sample analysis tool 10 of the present invention includes a development member 11 and a plastic base 16, and at least part of the development member 11 is in contact with the plastic base 16. The sample analysis tool 10 further includes a hydrophilic component layer 15, and the hydrophilic component layer 15 is formed on part or the whole of at least one of a surface of the plastic base 16 and a surface of the development member 11. It is particularly preferable that the hydrophilic component layer 15 contains sucrose or N-methyl glucosamine. In the sample analysis tool 10 of the present invention, since the hydrophilic component layer 15 is formed on part or the whole of at least one of the surface of the plastic base 16 and the surface of the development member 11, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of a hydrophobic component(s) derived from the plastic base 16.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable test sensors having improved sample application and measuring properties and their uses for detection, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample like blood. In particular, the invention provides for an electrochemical biosensor which has a thin-layer fluid chamber having funnel-like shape with a novel extra wide opening as sampling entrance and a vent opening at the tip of the chamber for air escape. The thin-layer fluid chamber provides a reservoir from which a sample fluid can be drawn into it through capillary action. The extra wide sampling entrance provided by the present invention can draw blood into the chamber through any part of the opening, thus it allows easy targeting the samples with small volume, picking up smeared samples and it is more tolerant to users who jam the tip of the sensor into users' finger.

Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a method of fabricating a chemical detection device. The method may comprise forming a microwell above a CMOS device. The microwell may comprise a bottom surface and sidewalls. The method may further comprise applying a first chemical to be selectively attached to the bottom surface of the microwell, forming a metal oxide layer on the sidewalls of the microwell, and applying a second chemical to be selectively attached to the sidewalls of the microwell. The second chemical may lack an affinity to the first chemical.

Abstract: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneous online assay of nitrites and nitrates in water samples with improved sensitivity and accuracy, enhanced capacity of anti-interference against salinity, reduced assay costs, and simplified operation.

Abstract: An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a liquid sample, includes: a base module; a replaceable cassette connectable with the base module and having at least one liquid container connectable via a fluid line with a measuring cell and containing a reagent to be added to the liquid sample for forming a measured liquid; and a measuring transducer for registering measured values correlated with the measured variable for the measured liquid accommodated in the measuring cell. The cassette has, associated with the at least one liquid container, a fluid coupling apparatus having a primary component and a secondary component and serving for producing a connection of the fluid line with the liquid container.

Abstract: A sample analysis system includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit arranged to a downstream side of the first measurement unit, and an information processing section which obtains a measurement result of a sample. The information processing section determines, based on the measurement result of the sample measured by the first measurement unit, whether or not a retest of the sample by the first measurement unit is necessary. When the retest by the first measurement unit is necessary, the information processing section causes the sample container to be transported to a first sample supply position for the first measurement unit and causes the first measurement unit to perform measurement of the sample.

Abstract: Sampling device for samples containing DNA in particular, with a sample-collecting area provided at the free end of an elongate holding device, wherein the sample-collecting area is designed to be separable from the sampling device.

Abstract: A non-detonable source of at least one of an explosive or explosive vapor is disclosed, as well as a method of preparing the explosive or explosive vapor that includes the step of mixing the explosive with at least 50% inert material which retains the explosive vapor until heat is applied.

Abstract: A tube for extracting, diluting and discharging a sample: able to control the amount of discharged diluted solution in the tube, after the sample has been diluted; that improves the hygienic conditions of discharging the sample; that enables introduction of a predetermined amount of a sample in any liquid or solid state; and that is able to transfer a specific amount of a diluted sample into another tube for further processing without any hygienic problems and with no risk of accidents.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus includes a first analysis unit which collects samples by utilizing a first nozzle to analyze the sample, a second analysis unit which collects samples by utilizing a second nozzle to analyze the sample, and a transport apparatus which transports a plurality of sample vessels along a predetermined transport route. When a predetermined waiting state is provided such that the transport of the plurality of sample vessels is interrupted or stopped, then the sample collecting position is changed for at least one of the first and second nozzles, and the samples are collected from the plurality of sample vessels by means of the nozzle having the changed position. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the analysis process performed by the analysis apparatus, while suppressing the transport apparatus from being large-sized and suppressing the structure from being complicated.

Abstract: A storage assembly for two substances to be mixed prior to use, includes a closable dropper tip (3). A first storage chamber (7) is formed by the closable dropper tip (3) and a first container part (2, 4), the first container part (2, 4) being provided with at least one aperture (43). A second storage chamber (8) is formed by a second container part (5) which includes an open end part (52, 53) that closes off the at least one aperture (43) in a first operational position. The first and second container parts (2, 4; 5, 6) are moveable with respect to each other, and are in fluid communication through the at least one aperture (43) in a second operational position wherein the total flow surface area of the at least one aperture (43) is at least equal to a cross sectional area of the first container part.

Abstract: Device comprising a substrate (1), an electrode (2), a track (4) and a recess (3), wherein the substrate extends over a first thickness, between a first face and a second face, wherein the electrode is printed on the first face, wherein the track is printed on the second face, wherein the substrate is electrically insulated, wherein the electrode is conductive to electricity essentially through carbon particles, wherein the track is conductive to electricity and contains particles of silver, wherein the recess is conductive to electricity and is made of an ink which comprises a binary mixture of carbon and silver in proportions where the quantity of silver divided by the sum of the quantities of carbon and silver present in the binary mixture is comprised within a 0 to 1 interval, wherein the recess extends within the substrate from the first face to the second face, wherein the recess is in electrical contact with the electrode at the level of a first junction located on the first face, wherein the recess is

Abstract: A method for transferring a filter membrane (130) bearing a retentate to a reagent pad (310), in which the membrane is mounted in a support frame (120) having a shoulder (121) and a skirt (122) projecting from the shoulder, the pad being mounted on a cassette (300) of complementary form to said skirt, the skirt being adapted to slide sealingly on the cassette until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder, the method comprising the steps of sealingly engaging the skirt of the membrane support frame on the cassette, establishing a pressure difference between the cassette and the membrane support frame such that the membrane adopts the shape of a dome pointing towards the pad, while maintaining the pressure difference, applying a force on the frame so as to make the skirt slide on the cassette until contact is established between the end of the dome and the pad, maintaining a force on the frame so as to move it downward until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder while maintaining the pressure diff

Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly which allows for a single centrifuge cycle and which permits the aspiration of fluids from multiple levels with the centrifuge tube assembly. A modified centrifuge assembly is described wherein the inner tube has an externally threaded portion at its upper end. The method of using the centrifuge tube assembly is also described wherein the centrifuge tube assembly may be used for the aspiration, separation, isolation and extracting of discrete layer in a liquid suspension.

Abstract: Apparatus for pyrolyzing or gasifying the organic content of material, including organically coated waste, biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, having organic content; the apparatus comprising: an oven having a rotatable portion comprising a treatment chamber adapted to receive material for treatment; a plurality of gas inlets in at least one wall (5) of the treatment chamber through which hot gases are introduced to the treatment chamber to heat the material therein so as to cause the organic components thereof to pyrolyze or gasify; and a plurality of pockets (8) having open faces turned inwardly towards the inside of the treatment chamber on at least one wall of the rotatable portion such that, in use, material being pyrolyzed or gasified can be received from the treatment chamber into the plurality of pockets (8) via said open faces, and be substantially retained therein through an initial rotation of the oven of less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a reagent fluid dispensing device may be provided. The reagent fluid dispensing device may include a chamber for receiving a reagent fluid, the chamber having a first opening and a second opening; a first fluid conduit connected to the first opening of the chamber; a reservoir connected to the first fluid conduit, the reservoir having a first opening, wherein the first opening of the reservoir is connected to the first fluid conduit to form a passive valve, wherein the reservoir is dimensionalized for storing a predetermined volume of the reagent fluid; and a pneumatic conduit connected to the second opening of the chamber, wherein selective application of pneumatic pressure to the chamber through the pneumatic conduit transfers the reagent fluid from the reservoir to the chamber through the first fluid conduit. According to various embodiments, a microfluidic device including the reagent fluid dispensing device, and a method of dispensing a reagent fluid may be provided.

Abstract: A separation assembly for separation of a fluid into first and second parts is disclosed. A container has a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior, the container defining a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. A separator body is disposed within the interior having a through-hole defined therethrough. The separator body includes a first part, and a second part interfaced with the first part, wherein the separator body is transitionable from a first position wherein the through-hole is provided in fluid-receiving alignment with the first end of the container, to a second position wherein the through-hole is provided substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. In the first position, a through-axis of the through-hole of the separator body is in a plane that is not parallel with a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: A retort agitation system (100) for thermal processing of products includes product carriers 102a and 102b mounted on a low friction support system 104 for reciprocal movement of the carriers along the interior of a retort. The product carriers are driven in reciprocating motion by a drive actuator system 106 that can be positioned between the carriers 102a and 102b or endwise of the two carriers 102a and 102b. A drive actuator system 106 is linked to the carriers to cause the carriers to move along opposite reciprocating paths lengthwise of the retort. Reaction actuators 108 act on the carriers in opposition to the drive actuator system 106 to apply forces on the carriers for accelerating the carriers along the reciprocating paths of travel when such carriers reach the distal and proximal ends of the reciprocating travel paths.