Abstract: The present specification discloses systems and computer implemented assessment methods including a system and method of assigning an individual to a group participating in a clinical study regarding a psychotic disorder, a system and method of determine whether and what type of psychotic disorder an individual may be suffering from; and a system and method of recommending a therapy to treat an individual with a psychotic disorder. All disclosed systems and computer implemented assessment methods use a non-invasive computational device-based test that uses a graphical user interface to measure a latent inhibition response of an individual to calculate a latent inhibition score and assess working memory. The latent inhibition score determines whether the individual exhibits an attenuated latent inhibition response, a normal latent inhibition response or an enhanced latent inhibition response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are methods of detecting one or more microbes in a subject having or suspected of having a demyelinating disease including multiple sclerosis. Also, disclosed herein are methods of treating subjects who are developing or experiencing a worsening demyelination based on microbial detection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrospray device for mass spectrometry that includes a fluid inlet, an outlet orifice, and a passage for fluid communication between the fluid inlet and outlet orifice. This passage is formed from a capillary (i.e., a first capillary). This first capillary (3) partially houses a second capillary (7) such that the outlet orifice is narrowed. A portion (17) of the second capillary extends beyond the first capillary. This extension permits a practitioner to clip away obstructed portions of the second capillary.

Abstract: Chromatography and solid phase extraction devices having immobilized stationary phases are disclosed. An exemplary device of the Invention includes a column or cartridge packed with a mixture of a particulate stationary phase material and a polymeric network of Cross-linked poly(diorganosiloxane), e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxane). The Invention also provides methods of making and using such devices.

Abstract: A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus designed to prevent cross-contamination of a fluid along the surface of a platform like a laser desorption target or multi-well plate. In particular, the apparatus comprises a cover slip that is disposed in apposition to the platform. This cover slip has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is in apposition to the platform. Optionally, the cover slip has one or more defined orifices that extend from the upper surface through to the lower surface such that fluid communication is maintained from the upper surface of the cover slip to the surface of the platform interfacing with the lower surface of the cover slip.

Abstract: Nanocolumn chromatography devices useful, e.g., in CEC and nanoLC are disclosed. An exemplary chromatography device of the invention includes a nanocolumn, e.g., a capillary, packed with a particulate stationary phase material and a solid support. The solid support, or in situ frit, is adjacent to and integral with the stationary phase material. An in situ frit of the invention may be a mixture of the stationary phase material and a polymeric network of cross-linked poly(diorganosiloxane), e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxane), which may optionally be sintered. The invention also provides methods of making and using such devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for effectuating increased chromatographic efficiency in a capillary column by employing a retaining frit disposed within an analytical capillary. By disposing the retaining frit within the analytic capillary, the void volume is significantly minimized. The columns and methods described herein produce a simplified analytical capillary and retaining frit apparatus that provides greater chromatographic efficiency. Additionally, the column of the instant invention maintains chromatographic fidelity by reducing the transfer diameter as well as facilitating fluidic connections in situ.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles comprising one or more redox-active species, methods of making such nanoparticles, and methods for using such nanoparticles, for example, as diagnostic agents for the detection of various analytes.