Abstract: A device for rapid detection of a tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan (TB-LAM) is provided. The device includes a pre-concentrator unit for concentrating the TB-LAM comprising: an ion-exchange medium comprising one or more ligands configured to capture the TB-LAM from the source biological sample, wherein the captured-TB-LAM is eluted from the ion-exchange medium as an eluate comprising a concentrated form of TB-LAM; a cassette; a lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette; and an integration unit attached to the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The integration unit is configured to operatively couple and de-couple the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The pre-concentrator unit and the lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette are in a fluidic communication in a coupled form. The device for rapid detection of TB-LAM further comprises a dilutor unit.

Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: A system deletes and sanitizes files in a distributed file system. The system also randomizes rotation of data in a distributed file system.

Abstract: A rapid detection method of a target biomolecule comprising an antigenic moiety is provided. The method includes providing a source biological sample comprising the target biomolecule; contacting the source biological sample to an ion-exchange medium; eluting the captured-target biomolecule from the ion-exchange medium as an eluate, and loading the eluate to a rapid diagnostic testing device comprising an antibody. The eluate comprises a concentrated form of the biomolecule in a solution having a salt concentration greater than 150 mM. A concentration of the target biomolecule in the eluate is in a range from about 2× to 25× compared to a concentration of the biomolecule in the source biological sample. The target biomolecule binds to the antibody under the salt concentration of greater than 150 mM. A device for rapid detection of target biomolecule is also provided.

Abstract: A device for rapid detection of a tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan (TB-LAM) is provided. The device includes a pre-concentrator unit for concentrating the TB-LAM comprising: an ion-exchange medium comprising one or more ligands configured to capture the TB-LAM from the source biological sample, wherein the captured-TB-LAM is eluted from the ion-exchange medium as an eluate comprising a concentrated form of TB-LAM; a cassette; a lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette; and an integration unit attached to the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The integration unit is configured to operatively couple and de-couple the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The pre-concentrator unit and the lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette are in a fluidic communication in a coupled form. The device for rapid detection of TB-LAM further comprises a dilutor unit.

Abstract: A system includes a bacteria culture array that includes a plurality of chambers each configured to receive a portion of a sample that includes bacteria. Each individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a chamber opening configured to permit access of the portion of the sample to the individual chamber. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to collect data from the individual chamber. The sensors are configured to contact the sample. Additionally, the system includes a monitoring and analysis system that includes a processor configured to receive the data from the one or more sensors at a first time and a second time, compare the data received at the second time to the data received at the first time, and identify a portion of the plurality of chambers of the bacteria culture array based on the comparing.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak source within a tank includes coupling a first seal member to an external surface of the tank around an external leak location and coupling a second seal member to the external surface around a perimeter of the first seal member to define a gap between the first seal member and the second seal member. The method also includes coupling a sealing membrane to the first and second seal members such that a first cavity is at least partially defined within the perimeter of the first seal member and such that a second cavity is at least partially defined between the first seal member and the second seal member. The gap at least partially defines the second cavity. The method further includes applying a vacuum to the second cavity and injecting a detectable gas into the first cavity.

Abstract: A separation device, system and associated method are provided herein for separation of particulates form a base fluid. The separation device comprises a first microchannel comprising a fluid inlet and a mesofluidic collection chamber. The mesofluidic collection chamber has a first side and a second side, wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber is operatively coupled to the first microchannel on the first side, and wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber comprises a first fluid outlet at the second side, such that the fluid inlet, first microchannel, and first fluid outlet are in fluidic communication via the mesofluidic collection chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable level 3-D printing platform includes a platform, three support posts, and an adjusting component by which heights of the three support posts are adjustable. The bottom of the build platform includes at least one socket to engage with a ball end of one of the three support posts, thereby enabling two point leveling. The adjusting component is configured to simultaneously adjust a height of the at least three support posts using a first arm and a second arm, each connected to the build platform at respective pivot points and configured to apply respective clamping forces to the support posts. The printing platform further includes at least one sensor leveling system that deploys a probe, measures a relative probe state, and compares the measurement to a predetermined value. During the leveling processes, the 3-D printer is configured to provide sensory feedback.

Abstract: A method is provided herein, the method includes: applying a sample comprising target nucleic acids to a sample application zone of a substrate; and flowing a nucleic acid amplification reaction mixture across a length of the substrate through the sample application zone to amplify the target nucleic acid forming a nucleic acid amplification product; wherein the target nucleic acid having a first molecular weight is substantially immobilized at the sample application zone and wherein the amplification product having a second molecular weight migrates away from the sample application zone. An associated device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak source within a tank includes coupling a first seal member to an external surface of the tank around an external leak location and coupling a second seal member to the external surface around a perimeter of the first seal member to define a gap between the first seal member and the second seal member. The method also includes coupling a sealing membrane to the first and second seal members such that a first cavity is at least partially defined within the perimeter of the first seal member and such that a second cavity is at least partially defined between the first seal member and the second seal member. The gap at least partially defines the second cavity. The method further includes applying a vacuum to the second cavity and injecting a detectable gas into the first cavity.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples. For example, using at least one arrangement, it is possible to receive interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference and the samples that are provided in respective chambers. Alternatively and/or in addition, based on the interferometric information, it is possible to discriminate between agents to identify a particular agent that affects a particular function within at least one of the samples.

Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: In one aspect there is a method for recommending one or more providers to a member. The method may comprise at a server, receiving, from a member computing device via a provider search interface, a provider request including a member identifier and member specified criteria. Retrieving one or more provider identifiers for association with the member specified criteria. Retrieving one or more member characteristics for association with the member identifier. For each provider identifier, retrieving one or more provider characteristics for association with the provider identifier. Analyzing the member characteristics and the provider characteristics to generate an ordered list of the providers, wherein the ordered list of the providers is based upon a relevancy rank of each provider that is specific to the member, wherein the relevancy rank is a function of at least one of: a provider cost factor, a provider quality factor, or a weighted combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for rapid detection of a tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan (TB-LAM) is provided. The device includes a pre-concentrator unit for concentrating the TB-LAM comprising: an ion-exchange medium comprising one or more ligands configured to capture the TB-LAM from the source biological sample, wherein the captured-TB-LAM is eluted from the ion-exchange medium as an eluate comprising a concentrated form of TB-LAM; a cassette; a lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette; and an integration unit attached to the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The integration unit is configured to operatively couple and de-couple the pre-concentrator unit and the cassette. The pre-concentrator unit and the lateral flow assay unit disposed in the cassette are in a fluidic communication in a coupled form. The device for rapid detection of TB-LAM further comprises a dilutor unit.

Abstract: A rapid detection method of a target biomolecule comprising an antigenic moiety is provided. The method includes providing a source biological sample comprising the target biomolecule; contacting the source biological sample to an ion-exchange medium; eluting the captured-target biomolecule from the ion-exchange medium as an eluate, and loading the eluate to a rapid diagnostic testing device comprising an antibody. The eluate comprises a concentrated form of the biomolecule in a solution having a salt concentration greater than 150 mM. A concentration of the target biomolecule in the eluate is in a range from about 2× to 25× compared to a concentration of the biomolecule in the source biological sample. The target biomolecule binds to the antibody under the salt concentration of greater than 150 mM. A device for rapid detection of target biomolecule is also provided.

Abstract: A shock reducing helmet includes a helmet body made of an outer and inner shell, ear openings, and face shield or visor that connects flush to the helmet body. The outer shell is formed from the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as polycarbonate, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal, to provide a high strength to weight ratio and minimize fracture. The inner chamber includes shock absorbing structures made from materials such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal. Some variants have a viscous or gaseous layer around the springs to increase stability upon linear and rotational impact. The face shield or visor is made of a clear polycarbonate that connects flush with the outer shell to eliminate visibility interference and rotational injuries caused by competitors pulling the metal bars commonly present in football helmets.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples. For example, using at least one arrangement, it is possible to receive interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference and the samples that are provided in respective chambers. Alternatively and/or in addition, based on the interferometric information, it is possible to discriminate between agents to identify a particular agent that affects a particular function within at least one of the samples.

Abstract: An expert system processes communication data to extract entities and topics. The expert system generates relationship graphs and relationship scores between the entities and topics. The system can identify entities that are expert in a given topic. The expert system uses a knowledge engine to provide different services and applications.

Abstract: A system includes a bacteria culture array that includes a plurality of chambers each configured to receive a portion of a sample that includes bacteria. Each individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a chamber opening configured to permit access of the portion of the sample to the individual chamber. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to collect data from the individual chamber. The sensors are configured to contact the sample. Additionally, the system includes a monitoring and analysis system that includes a processor configured to receive the data from the one or more sensors at a first time and a second time, compare the data received at the second time to the data received at the first time, and identify a portion of the plurality of chambers of the bacteria culture array based on the comparing.