Abstract: A phosphole compound represented by the formula (wherein Ar1 and Ar2 are the same or different, and represent an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring; Ar3 represents a divalent ?-conjugated unit; R1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl group, or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group; R2 and R3 are the same or different, and represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl group, or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group; and Z represents a reactive group) can provide a fluorescent dye capable of maintaining a high fluorescence quantum yield irrespective of solvent polarity, and providing an improved fluorescence quantum yield and light resistance even in environments containing large amounts of water.

Abstract: Sub-micrometer bioparticles are separated by size in a microfluidic channel utilizing a ratchet migration mechanism. A structure within the microfluidic channel includes an array of micro-posts arranged in laterally shifted rows. Reservoirs are disposed at each end of the microfluidic channel. A biased AC potential is applied across the channel via electrodes immersed into fluid in each of the reservoirs to induce a non-uniform electric field through the microfluidic channel. The applied potential comprises a first waveform with a first frequency that induces electro-kinetic flow of sub-micrometer bioparticles in the microfluidic channel, and an intermittent superimposed second waveform with a higher frequency. The second waveform selectively induces a dielectrophoretic trapping force to selectively impart ratchet migration based on particle size for separating the sub-micrometer bioparticles by size in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digital microfluidic systems. Particularly, aspects are directed to a digital microfluidic system that includes a droplet chip having a substrate, a plurality of electrodes and corresponding plurality of conducting vias or embedded conductive posts formed in the substrate, and a dielectric layer formed over the plurality of electrodes; and a control chip having a substrate, a plurality of transistors and corresponding wiring layers formed in the substrate, and a plurality of contacts formed over the plurality of transistors. Each of the plurality of contacts is electrically connected to a corresponding transistor of the plurality of transistors, and one or more of the plurality of contacts is removably connected to one or more of the plurality of conducting vias or embedded conductive posts such that one or more of the plurality of transistors are electrically connected to one or more of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the rapid determination of the intact mass of non-covalently associated antibody heavy chains (HC) and light chains (LC) which result from the attachment of drug conjugates to interchain cysteine residues. By analyzing the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) using native desalting conditions, the intact-bivalent structure of the ADC, which ordinarily would decompose as a consequence of denaturing chromatographic conditions typically used for LCMS, is maintained. The mass of the desalted ADC is subsequently determined using desolvation and ionization ESI-MS conditions. The methods described herein provide for direct measurement of the intact mass of an ADC conjugated at interchain cysteine residues. The methods described herein also provide for the relative quantitation of the individual ADC species.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for reducing the sample volume required for analysis. Inserts placed within a sample container, and substitute sample containers having smaller volume sample chambers are provided. Methods are provided for detection and quantification of target substances in reduced volume samples. Methods include placing a small-volume of sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include diluting a small-volume sample, and placing the diluted sample in a small-volume insert.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gene sequencing structure, chip, system, and method. The gene sequencing structure includes: a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, a semiconductor layer, a sensing electrode, an insulating layer, and a sensitive film layer. The first electrode is connected to the second electrode via the semiconductor layer, the sensing electrode is in contact with the sensitive film layer, and the insulating layer isolates each of the sensitive film layer and the sensing electrode from each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the semiconductor layer, wherein the sensitive film layer generates charges in response to receiving ions generated by base pairing during gene sequencing.

Abstract: A test device is configured for diagnostic testing and includes an optical readable medium, in turn including a pattern of spots of material arranged on a surface of the device. Several patterns may be provided. The patterns accordingly formed may be human and/or machine readable. They may notably encode security information, e.g., indicating whether the device has already been used. The spots may notably be inkjet spotted. In addition, a method is provided for decoding information encoded in a pattern of such a test device. In embodiments, liquid is introduced in the device, which comprises additional spots having a substantially different solubility than spots forming the actual pattern. Thus, the additional spots get solubilized in and flushed by the liquid as the latter wets them, and an initially hidden pattern may be read, which is formed of the remaining spots (not solubilized). Encoding methods are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a method for discriminating a microorganism including: a step of subjecting a sample containing a microorganism to mass spectrometry to obtain a mass spectrum; a reading step of reading a mass-to-charge ratio m/z of a peak derived from a marker protein from the mass spectrum; and a discrimination step of discriminating which bacterial species of Escherichia coli, Shigella bacteria, and Escherichia albertii the microorganism contained in the sample contains based on the mass-to-charge ratio m/z, in which at least one of 13 ribosomal proteins S5, L15, S13, L31, L22, L19, L20, L13, S15, L25, HNS, HdeB, and L29 is used as the marker protein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof for monitoring the directionality, velocity, and migration persistence of neutrophils or other cells in the absence of chemical gradients for the purposes of detecting and quantifying abnormal neutrophil motility phenotypes, using low sample volumes and with minimal activation of the neutrophils. The devices and methods can be used to diagnose sepsis in subjects suspected of having sepsis or at risk of developing sepsis. The devices and methods can also be used to monitor the responses of patients to sepsis therapies.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for biochemical analysis, including compositions and methods for processing and analysis of small cell populations and biological samples (e.g., a robotically controlled chip-based nanodroplet platform). In particular aspects, the methods described herein can reduce total processing volumes from conventional volumes to nanoliter volumes within a single reactor vessel (e.g., within a single droplet reactor) while minimizing losses, such as due to sample evaporation.

Abstract: A methodology for the precise calibration of molecule quantifying assays is disclosed. The method uses stable isotope labeled molecules with distinguishable masses to act as internal and calibration standards that are free from endogenous interference. Furthermore, stable isotope labeled molecules allows for calibration within a test matrix. In some examples, stable isotope labeled peptides are used as internal and calibration standards for mass spectrometry assays for quantification of peptide biomarkers.

Abstract: A method for preparing an analytical sample for analysis of a glycan that includes a lactone structure and is contained in a sample, includes: performing a first amidation reaction that amidates a sialic acid including the lactone structure through addition of a first amidation reaction solution to the sample, the first amidation reaction solution containing ammonia, an amine, or a salt thereof as a first nucleophilic agent that is reacted with the sialic acid including the lactone structure; and performing a second reaction that modifies at least a part of sialic acids not amidated in the first amidation reaction through a method different from permethylation.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes devices and methods for detecting rare cells in whole blood samples using a microfluidic device. Such devices include a housing with a microfluidic chamber having first and second microfluidic layers, each microfluidic layer having an array of microscale structure. Other disclosed devices also include a housing including a chemically functionalized hydrogel matrix and a pump connected to the housing. Disclosed methods include constructing, with an additive manufacturing device, a microfluidic device having a microfluidic chamber, removing, by a thermal release process, at least some of the sacrificial support material deposited by the additive manufacturing device, and chemically functionalizing at least a portion of the microfluidic chamber. Other disclosed methods include chemically functionalizing a hydrogel matrix and connecting the chemically functionalized hydrogel matrix to a pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sample acquisition, including for example, samples for flow cytometry systems. Certain embodiments include a plurality of plates, valves, and conduits. In particular embodiments, the plates are stacked and the conduits extend through stack of plates, and in specific embodiments each valve is in fluid communication with a conduit.

Abstract: Microfluidic channels networks and systems are provided. One network includes a first fluid channel having a first depth dimension; at least a second channel intersecting the first channel at a first intersection; at least a third channel in fluid communication with the first intersection, at least one of the first intersection and the third channel having a depth dimension that is greater than the first depth dimension. Also provided is a flow control system for directing fluids in the network. Systems are additionally provided for flowing disrupted particles into a droplet formation junction, whereby a portion of the disrupted particles or the contents thereof are encapsulated into one or more droplets. Further provided is a method for controlling filling of a microfluidic network by controlling passive valving microfluidic channel network features.

Abstract: Biomarkers of pancreatic cancer are described, as well as methods using these compounds for detecting pancreatic cancer. The methods can be used to diagnose a patient's health state, or change in health state, or for diagnosing risk of developing or the presence of pancreatic cancer. The method comprises analyzing a sample from a patient to obtain quantifying data for one or more than one of the metabolite markers; comparing the quantifying data to corresponding data obtained for one or more than one reference sample to identify abnormalities in the level of the metabolite marker(s) in the sample; and making a diagnosis if an abnormality is observed. Standards and kits for carrying out the method are also described.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are provided to improve the desorption and ionization of analyte for mass spectrometry analysis. More specifically, it is for electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The method uses charged affinity molecules that can bind with analyte either temporarily or permanently to improve the desorption and ionization of analyte. The charged affinity molecules can be positively charged or negatively charged.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical analyte testing system having a handheld meter, particularly, a glucose meter, and a test magazine is disclosed. In the disclosed method a replaceable test magazine including a plurality of test elements is provided in the handheld meter for conducting successive analyte tests. An auxiliary measuring unit of the handheld meter measures at various points of time at least one ambient parameter, including temperature or humidity. The method checks for a threshold violation by comparing the measured ambient parameter with a preset threshold. The preset threshold is lowered after an initial period of use of the test magazine, and a use-up period is adjusted based on the check for a threshold violation.

Abstract: A multi-capillary column pre-concentration trap for use in various chromatography techniques (e.g., gas chromatography (GC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS)) is disclosed. In some examples, the trap can include a plurality of capillary columns connected in series in order of increasing strength (i.e., increasing chemical affinity for one or more sample compounds). A sample can enter the trap, flowing from a sample vial to a relatively weak column to the relatively strongest column of the trap by way of any additional columns included in the trap, for example. In some examples, the trap can be heated and backflushed so that the sample exits the trap through the head of the relatively weak column. Next, the sample can be injected into a chemical analysis device for performing the chromatography technique (e.g., GC or GCMS) or it can be injected into a secondary multi-capillary column trap for further concentration.