Abstract: An automated method for preparing a sample suspension. The sample suspension can be used for both MALDI and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). A suspension is prepared, and a portion of that suspension is removed for a first analysis (e.g. MALDI), leaving a remaining volume. The turbidity of the remaining volume is measured. If the turbidity is below a first threshold, the suspension is not used for a second analysis (e.g. AST) and is subjected to a concentration protocol to raise the turbidity of the suspension. If the turbidity is within a predetermined range, a volume of the suspension is calculated that will deliver a predetermined amount of sample to a vessel for the second analysis. If the turbidity of the suspension is above the predetermined range, and the suspension has not been diluted a predetermined number of times, the suspension is diluted according to a dilution protocol.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a plurality of banks and a refresh controller. Each bank is logically divisible into at least two different sections of memory cells during a refresh operation. The refresh controller successively identifies each of the sections using a first portion of a row address and addresses a row of memory cells included in each of the sections using a second portion of the row address. The refresh controller also successively selects two or more different groups of the banks during different time intervals each time a different one of the sections is identified. The refresh controller refreshes the addressed row of memory cells included in the most recently identified section of each bank for the most recently selected group of banks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a plurality of banks and a refresh controller. Each bank is logically divisible into at least two different sections of memory cells during a refresh operation. The refresh controller successively identifies each of the sections using a first portion of a row address and addresses a row of memory cells included in each of the sections using a second portion of the row address. The refresh controller also successively selects two or more different groups of the banks during different time intervals each time a different one of the sections is identified. The refresh controller refreshes the addressed row of memory cells included in the most recently identified section of each bank for the most recently selected group of banks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for detecting target DNA in a biological sample using capture probes and electrically-assisted hybridization. The reaction cell is formed with an attachment surface of aluminum oxide for better thermal and physical properties, and the aluminum oxide surface is coated with anti-DIG antibody to provide a convenient attachment layer for the capture probes allowing their correct orientation, while the capture probes are formed with a DIG-label so that they attach to the surface of the cell through an anti-DIG/DIG linkage.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for the field-assisted acceleration of biological processes involving charged entities, including in particular the detection of target DNA in a biological sample. A reaction cell is provided with a dielectric surface, and a field is generated by inducing charge-separation in the dielectric material by applying a potential to an electrode in contact with the dielectric material.