Abstract: Hybrid subtractive-additive production of a superconducting multi-layer transition-edge sensor includes: forming a superconductor layer; forming a patterning photoresist on the superconductor layer; forming a sensor pattern in the patterning photoresist; subtractively forming, from the superconductor layer, the superconductor sensor layer; removing the patterning photoresist from the superconductor sensor layer; forming a template photoresist on the superconductor sensor layer; forming an inverse normal metal layer pattern in the template photoresist and exposing a bilayer portion of the superconductor sensor layer for addition of a normal metal layer; and additively forming the normal metal layer on the superconductor sensor layer such that the sensor pattern is interposed between the normal metal layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A sleep induction device includes a headband, multiple transcranial stimulation electrodes, and control electronics to drive the electrodes. The sleep induction device may be worn by an awake user prior to attempting sleep. The control electronics are configured to cause the stimulation electrodes to emit a sequence of stimulation waveforms separated by interstimulus periods. The stimulation waveforms may have the characteristics of low-delta waveforms that may characterize non-REM stage 3 sleep. The stimulation period may last from about 4-8 seconds and the interstimulus period may last from about 10 to 30 seconds. A sleep induction session may include multiple alternating stimulation and non-stimulation periods. The sleep induction session may last for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes a porous support having an agent that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample. The apparatus further includes a housing with an opening and defining an interior. The interior of the housing is in fluid communication with the porous support, and at least a portion of a fluid directed through the opening is directed through at least a portion of the porous support. The apparatus also includes a magnetic substrate for separating nucleic acid from a sample.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes contacting the sample with a porous support that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample and directing a fluid through the porous support, whereby the nucleic acid component of the sample is directed through at least a portion of the porous support and is separated from the support, thereby preparing the nucleic acid component for amplification. The sample is separated from raw sample components through means that include a magnetic substrate. An apparatus suitable for conducting the method of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes contacting the sample with a porous support that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample and directing a fluid through the porous support, whereby the nucleic acid component of the sample is directed through at least a portion of the porous support and is separated from the support, thereby preparing the nucleic acid component for amplification. The sample is separated from raw sample components through means that include a magnetic substrate. An apparatus suitable for conducting the method of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A disposable sensor for metal analysis comprises a housing including a first section, a second section, and a flexible intermediate section therebetween. An ampoule containing a reagent is disposed in the intermediate section. A liquid seal is formed between the first and second sections. The intermediate section of the housing of the disposable sensor may be flexed to break the ampoule. When the seal is broken between the first and second sections, and the water (or any other liquid) sample mixes with the reagent, the mixture flows into the second section containing an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may be disposed in engagement with the monitoring device to determine the concentration of the at least one metal in the water (or any other liquid) sample.