Abstract: The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a composition for staining cytological material comprising a cationic dye component, a hygroscopic polyol and optionally a water-soluble solvent, water or water-miscible solvent, methods of use of the compositions. Advantageously, the present compositions do not require the use of a cover slide as is required in known staining fixatives. The compositions are able to retain cell morphology for a period of time such that a cover slide is not required. Further, the compositions do not contain hazardous levels of organic components. Preferably, the compositions consist essentially of Azure C, glycerol and optionally water. In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method of characterizing a cell sample comprising contacting the cell sample with a composition comprising a dye component and a hygroscopic polyol and subjecting the sample to analysis to determine the presence or absence of abnormal cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A sample tube holder assembly may include a base comprising a base cavity defined therein. The sample tube holder assembly may include at least one first engagement member disposed within the base cavity and a plurality of sample tube holder racks configured to be received within the base cavity, at least one of the sample tube holder racks comprising at least one second engagement member, wherein each of the plurality of sample tube holder racks further comprises at least one sample tube cavity configured to receive a respective sample tube therein. The first and second engagement members may be configured to engage with one another when the plurality of sample tube holder racks are positioned within the base cavity such that the sample tube holder racks are offset at a different depth from one another within the base cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: An exhaust collector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The exhaust collector includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a side panel. The side panel includes a circumferential portion, a first contoured portion, and a second contoured portion. The circumferential portion extends about the exhaust collector axis with a constant radius. The first contoured portion and the second contoured portion are each between the circumferential portion and the exhaust outlet and include a plurality of curved sections with alternating concavity. Each of the plurality of curved sections extends from the front panel to the rear panel.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A method of treating early papillomavirus infection of an orifice of a human or animal body including any canal associated with an orifice, comprising applying a viral inactivation agent to the orifice and/or canal in an amount effective to inactivate a portion of the virus infecting the orifice or canal. Apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating protease resistant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from a peptide display library. A plurality of nucleic acid constructs that encode displayed peptides are expressed, resulting in the formation of a plurality of peptide-nucleic acid complexes, each complex comprising at least one displayed peptide associated with the corresponding nucleic acid construct encoding the displayed peptide. The complexes are exposed to at least one protease, to allow the proteolysis of protease-sensitive peptides, such that resistant peptides remain. The peptide-nucleic acid complexes are further exposed to a membrane composition to allow association of complexes that contain membrane-associating peptides. Complexes that remain unassociated with the membrane are removed; and membrane-associated complexes are recovered. The AMPs so characterised may be resistant to one or more protease enzymes and exhibit antimicrobial activity against one or more microbe.

Abstract: A sample preparation device and associated method is provided for preparing samples according to an assay protocol. A cell deposition module deposits a sample on each a plurality of assay devices supported by a support device. An epitope retrieval module deposits a reagent on each of the samples. Each of the samples is brought to a selected temperature. A heating device, corresponding to each of the assay devices, directly interacts with the corresponding assay device may be used to heat each assay device to the selected temperature, in conjunction with the epitope retrieval module depositing the reagent on each of the samples. A staining module deposits a staining reagent on each of the samples, and removes excess staining reagent. The staining, epitope retrieval, and cell deposition modules cooperate with the support device and heating devices to form a unitary sample preparation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocidal fusion peptide comprising: a) a peptide LL-37 or an active fragment or active derivative thereof; b) and a further heterologous bioactive peptide or an active fragment thereof, wherein part or all of the amino acid sequence of the fusion peptide is predicted to form an alpha-helix structure for disruption of a pathogen membrane, compositions such as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of preparing the peptide and use of the peptides in treatment, in particular for the treatment of bacterial infection and/or fungal infection and/or viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocidal fusion peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence with at least 90% identity thereto, compositions such as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of preparing the peptide, and use of the peptide in treatment, in particular for the treatment of bacterial infection and/or fungal infection and/or viral infection.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A cell adhesion solution of a cross-linked polymer for substrates includes an amino acid polymer, a buffered cross-linking agent, and deionized water (DI H2O). In one example, the amino acid polymer is selected from a neutral or basic amino acid, such as poly l-lysine or poly l-arginine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly l-lsine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly l-lsine of molecular weight of 100,000 or higher. The cross-linking agent can be selected from an aldehyde functional group, a buffered formaldehyde solution or a 10% neutral buffered formalin solution.

Abstract: A leakage detection device is provided for a fluid supply system. The detection device includes control means which can be selectively operated to close a valve and hence prevent further supply. The device includes at least one sensor which senses the flow of fluid through the supply system. Thus the device allows detection of fluid leakage and flow rates and can prevent or limit damage caused by fluid leakage.

Abstract: A cell adhesion solution of a cross-linked polymer for substrates includes an amino acid polymer, a buffered cross-linking agent, and deionized water (DI H2O). In one example, the amino acid polymer is selected from a neutral or basic amino acid, such as poly 1-lysine or poly 1-arginine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly 1-1sine. In another example, the amino acid polymer includes poly 1-1sine of molecular weight of 100,000 or higher. The cross-linking agent can be selected from an aldehyde functional group, a buffered formaldehyde solution or a 10% neutral buffered formalin solution.

Abstract: A wireless, battery-operated detection system of a plurality of RF-interconnected detectors is operable over a CSMA-type network and intended to detect the occurrence of a local phenomena and transmit at least one signal to at least one other detector to remotely sound an alarm. Each detector includes a sensor for sensing local phenomena, a transmitter for transmitting RF messages indicative of the phenomena, a receiver for receiving the RF messages, an alarm circuit for sounding an audible alarm indicative of the phenomena and a controller operable to control the mode of operation of each detector, wherein each controller is operable to control all the detectors in the system in response to a stimulus and to control multiple and conflicting signals transmitted among the detectors. The controller includes a prioritization circuit for determining the relative priority of the received RF signals and stimuli indicative of a particular condition to enable the appropriate mode of operation.