Abstract: A conductive terminal includes a conductive base substrate and a plating layer structure plated on the conductive base substrate. The plating layer structure includes a nickel plating layer located outside the conductive base substrate, a silver plating layer located outside the nickel plating layer, and a platinum-based polymetallic plating layer located outside the silver plating layer.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and a method of effecting localized electroporation in a relatively small target area and for introducing foreign matter into cellular material in which the target area is located. The cellular material may be in vitro, in ovo or in vivo.

Abstract: An air bath has air outlets extending around the side walls of the water basin. Air is delivered to the air outlets through a ring-like air manifold coupled to a blower by conduit. The conduit has a bypass vent that siphons off a portion of the air flow otherwise passing to the air outlets and maintains the blower in communication with ambient air. The air delivery system provides a wider range of bubble densities by allowing the blower to operate at lower speeds without overheating or stalling from back pressure arising from the pressure head of the water in the basin.

Abstract: An air bath has air jets arranged in rows extending around the side walls of the water basin. The rows of air jets are spaced vertically so that they are at different heights within the basin and so that air jets in the higher row(s) realize less pressure from the water in the basin. Air is delivered to the air jets through a ring-like air manifold formed of a single channel or multiple channels, the latter allowing for air flow control to different zones of the tub.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and a method of effecting localized electroporation in a relatively small target area and for introducing foreign matter into cellular material in which the target area is located. The cellular material may be in vitro, in ovo or in vivo.