Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for the microfluidic manipulation, dispensing, and/or sorting of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The systems may include a shaped focusing chamber and/or a branched diverting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining the purity of a sample of 3,4-diaminopyridine comprising determining the presence, absence, or amount of a dimer of 3,4-diaminopyridine or a dimer of 3,4-diaminopyridine in the form of a salt, solvate or complex or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to methods of detecting and quantitating degradation in a sample of 3,4-diaminopyridine. Dimers of 3,4-diaminopyridine and methods of making and isolating the same are also provided.

Abstract: A programmed computer functioning as a classifier operates on mass spectral data obtained from a blood-based patient sample to predict indolence or aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Methods of generating the classifier and conducting a test on a blood-based sample from a prostate cancer patient using the classifier are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for measuring the renewable bio-source carbon content and renewable bio-content in renewable bioplastic resins produced in manufacturing plants. In particular, the present invention relates to measuring the renewable bio-source carbon content in renewable bioplastic resins produced during a production run by correlating measured ?13C values are measured by iTOC-CRDS and CM-CRDS with actual renewable bio-source carbon content measurements (AMS or LSC 14C) via a linear regression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for analyzing a sample liquid comprising a test tape having a plurality of test elements, a tape transport device which successively transports the test elements to a sample application site while advancing the tape, and a measuring device which scans the test elements loaded with sample liquid at a measuring site. The measuring site is located at a distance from the sample application site in the direction of tape movement. The tape transport is interrupted in order to exactly position a wetted area of the test elements carrying a sample liquid at the measuring site by means of a positioning device that responds to the presence of sample liquid on the test element.

Abstract: A method is provided for a portable computing device to read a reaction area on a test strip, which is located in a peripheral device placed over an image sensor and a light source of the portable computing device. Light is provided with the light source, which the peripheral device directs to the reaction area. An image including the reaction area is captured with the image sensor. An analyte characteristic is determined based on a color of the captured reaction area in the image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of gold nanoparticles and methods of making and using the gold nanoparticles. The disclosed gold nanoparticles have core sizes and polydispersities controlled by the methods of making the gold nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods of making the gold nanoparticles can concern using flow reactors and reaction conditions controlled to make gold nanoparticles having a desired core size. The gold nanoparticles disclosed herein also comprise various ligands that can be used to facilitate the use of the gold nanoparticles in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A biosensor device controls actuation of label particles e.g., using frustrated total internal reflection. By applying a predetermined actuation force on the label particles and determining the effect of the applied actuation force in a binding volume or surface of a sensor cartridge of the biosensor device, a feedback control of the actuation force is applied.

Abstract: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) biomarkers, NEC biomarker panels, and methods for obtaining a NEC signature for a sample are provided. Also provided are methods, compositions, and kits for making a Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) assessment of an individual, e.g. for diagnosing NEC in a patient, prognosing NEC in a patient, treating an NEC patient, etc. These methods find use in a number of applications, such as diagnosing and treating infants who are suspected of having NEC, intestinal perforation (IP), or sepsis.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and devices for synchronization of ion generation with cycling of a discontinuous atmospheric interface. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a mass spectrometry probe that generates sample ions, a discontinuous atmospheric interface, and a mass analyzer, in which the system is configured such that ion formation is synchronized with cycling of the discontinuous atmospheric interface.

Abstract: Macroporous beads and a method of manufacturing and using such macroporous beads. wherein the beads are distinguishable for use in a multiplex assay. Preferably, the beads are distinguishable by two or more unique fluorochromes, and at least some of the beads are magnetically responsive. In a preferred form, some of the macroporous beads have interior pores with a different moiety from the exterior surface, allowing beads with different attached functional groups.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and screening of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and for the monitoring of HCC treatment using a panel or panels of small molecule metabolite biomarkers are disclosed. In other aspects, methods for detection and screening for the progression of high-risk conditions, such as HCV infections, to HCC and to monitoring treatment using a panel or panels of small molecule metabolite biomarkers are disclosed. The biomarkers are sensitive and specific for the detection of HCC, and can also be used to classify HCV infections that are regarded as precursors of HCC.

Abstract: Spin labeled ice binding compounds (IBCs) including ice binding proteins (IBPs), also called antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and their analogs are exploited to carry the paramagnetic centers for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), for enhancing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal intensities. Use of spin labeled IBCs to perform DNP exploits the IBCs' ability to homogeneously distribute the paramagnetic centers in frozen water solution at low temperature, leading to high DNP efficiency. Other advantages of using spin labeled IBCs include: (1) ability to cryo-protect biological samples; (2) the relative positions and orientations of the spin labeling groups in an IBC may also be cryo-preserved; (3) positions and orientations of spin labeling groups to an IBC can be selected with great freedom and without technical barrier to making multiple spin labels in an IBC; and (4) water solubilities of spin labeled IBCs are potentially high, enabling use of a solvent that is primarily water for DNP at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device which comprises a drive module and a microfluidic platform. The drive module further comprises a rotary unit and a vibration unit for driving the microfluidic platform, and the microfluidic platform further comprises multiple microfluidic elements for performing tests. The present invention also provides a method for operating a microfluidic device. The method comprises steps using the rotary unit and steps using the vibration unit to distribute sample in a microfluidic structure.

Abstract: The invention features a method of monitoring a clotting process by measuring a signal characteristic of the NMR relaxation of water in a sample undergoing clotting to produce NMR relaxation data and determining from the NMR relaxation data a magnetic resonance parameter of water in the sample characteristic of the clots being formed.

Abstract: A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: A method and system for mitigating a urea deposit within an SCR system that includes determining a mass of an accumulated urea deposit present within the SCR catalyst and SCR piping, comparing the mass of the accumulated urea deposit with a deposit upper threshold limit, and initiating an SCR regeneration event when the mass of the accumulated urea deposit is greater than the deposit upper threshold limit. The method further includes determining an amount of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst downstream of the urea deposit, comparing the amount of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst with an NH3 regeneration threshold limit, and terminating the SCR regeneration event when the level of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst is less than the SCR NH3 regeneration threshold.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.

Abstract: An in-line holographic microscope can be used to analyze on a frame-by-frame basis a video stream to track individual colloidal particles' three-dimensional motions. The system and method can provide real time nanometer resolution, and simultaneously measure particle sizes and refractive indexes. Through a combination of applying a combination of Lorenz-Mie analysis with selected hardware and software methods, this analysis can be carried out in near real time. An efficient particle identification methodology automates initial position estimation with sufficient accuracy to enable unattended holographic tracking and characterization.