Abstract: A multi-function travel case includes a plurality of features for facilitating ease of travel, including a retractable document sleeve for storing important travel-related documents in a manner that allows for quick, secure and easy access, viewing and storage of same during travel. The travel case further includes a retractable bottle holder extendable from a side pocket thereof, a side storage compartment adapted for storing eyeglasses in a manner that prevents scratching of same, a front interior storage compartment that houses a retractable light source, a key holder, and integrated pockets adapted for the storage of optical media without scratching the same, a central interior storage compartment having an adjustable top restraint and first and second user-positionable, impact resistant, adjustable cushions for securing portable computer devices of different sizes, a rear interior storage compartment having a removable file folder housed therein, ergonomically-designed rubber handles, and anti-tip feet.

Abstract: A multi-function travel case includes a plurality of features for facilitating ease of travel, including a retractable document sleeve for storing important travel-related documents in a manner that allows for quick, secure and easy access, viewing and storage of same during travel. The travel case further includes a retractable bottle holder extendable from a side pocket thereof, a side storage compartment adapted for storing eyeglasses in a manner that prevents scratching of same, a front interior storage compartment that houses a retractable light source, a key holder, and integrated pockets adapted for the storage of optical media without scratching the same, a central interior storage compartment having an adjustable top restraint and first and second user-positionable, impact resistant, adjustable cushions for securing portable computer devices of different sizes, a rear interior storage compartment having a removable file folder housed therein, ergonomically-designed rubber handles, and anti-tip feet.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more components of interest in a fluid-borne sample in a microchannel of a microfluidic device includes flowing the fluid-borne sample, in which the one or more components of interest are bound to a first labeled component binding moiety to form a first labeled complex, through a binding channel region of the microchannel. The binding channel region includes a second component-binding moiety reversibly bound to a wall surface of the binding channel region. At least a portion of the one or more components of interest is bound to the second component-binding moiety to form a second labeled complex. The second labeled complex is released from the binding channel region and flowed through a detection channel region of the microchannel, where the second labeled complex is detected.

Abstract: Intracellular binding reactions, and particularly DNA/DNA binding protein reactions are detected in situ, using intracellular fluorescence polarization detection. The methods comprise providing a biological cell having at least a first component of a binding reaction disposed therein. The cell is contacted with a second component of the binding reaction whereby the second component is internalized within the biological cell. At least one of the first and second components has a fluorescent label. The amount of binding between the first and second components within the cell is determined by measuring a level of polarized and/or depolarized fluorescence emitted from within the biological cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for controlling/manipulating fluidic materials in microfluidic devices. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention create and utilize differences between dispersion rates and/or average velocity of fluidic materials in order to manipulate fluidic materials.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions, e.g., to reduce interference from non-specific binding sample constituents in a migration shift assay. Interference due to non-specific binding of sample constituents to an affinity substance (e.g., an affinity molecule or a conjugate of an affinity molecule and a charged carrier molecule) is prevented by, e.g., binding the constituents to charged polymers such as heparin sulfate. The present invention also provides methods to concentrate an analyte of interest with high concentration and to detect the analyte with high sensitivity, and further to optimize the reaction conditions for easily concentrating the analyte. Such objects of the present invention are attained, for example, by concentrating a complex of the analyte and a conjugate which is formed by contacting the analyte in a sample with an affinity molecule bound to a charged carrier molecule such as DNA.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section and a control handle. The Control handle, which is preferably curved, comprises a housing having a generally hollow interior, a piston receiving assembly at least partially within the interior of the housing, and a piston. The piston receiving assembly is afforded rotational movement but not longitudinal movement relative to the housing and comprises a generally tubular member defining a piston chamber. The piston is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the catheter body and extends into the piston chamber of the piston receiving assembly, wherein the piston is afforded longitudinal movement but not rotational movement relative to the piston receiving assembly. Rotation of the piston relative to the housing correspondingly rotates the piston receiving assembly, catheter body and tip section. A puller wire extends from the control handle, through a lumen in the catheter body and into a lumen in the tip section.