Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of analytes are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to making medical solutions. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes introducing liquid into a container that contains a dissolvable solid concentrate in a manner so that a layer of solution above the solid concentrate is maintained at a depth that allows the liquid introduced into the container to agitate the solution adjacent to the solid concentrate to cause mixing of the solid concentrate with the solution.

Abstract: A breath-actuated delivery device includes a mouthpiece through which a subject in use exhales, an air channel which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and a flexible diaphragm which is disposed in the air channel. The diaphragm provides for at least a restricted air flow through the air channel until a predeterminable actuation pressure is developed in the mouthpiece, and, on generation of the predeterminable actuation pressure in the mouthpiece, provides for an air flow through the air channel.

Abstract: A dialysis system (e.g., a hemodialysis (HD) system) can be designed to operate in alternative environments, such as disaster relief settings or underdeveloped regions. The dialysis system can include a solar panel for generating electricity to power the dialysis machine and an atmospheric water generator for extracting water from ambient air. The extracted water can be used to generate dialysate and saline on-site. One or more of the components of the dialysis machine can be discrete components that are configured to facilitate fast shipping and simple on-site assembly (e.g., at a remote location). In some implementations, the discrete components may be configured to be attached to an existing dialysis system (e.g., a dialysis system designed for operation in a traditional environment) to permit the dialysis system to operate in an alternative environment.

Abstract: A flowing electrolyte fuel cell system design (DHCFC-Flow) is provided. The use of a flowing oxygen-saturated electrolyte in a fuel cell offers a significant enhancement in the cell performance characteristics. The mass transfer and reaction kinetics of the superoxide/peroxide/oxide ion (mobile oxygen ion species) in the fuel cell are enhanced by recirculating an oxidizing gas-saturated electrolyte. Recirculating oxygen-saturated electrolyte through a liquid channel enhances the maximal current observed in a fuel cell. The use of a oxygen saturated electrolyte ensures that the reaction kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction are fast and the use of convection ameliorates concentration gradients and the diffusion-limited maximum current density. The superoxide ion is generated in situ by the reduction of the oxygen dissolved in the gaseous electrolyte. Also, a dual porosity membrane allows the uniform flow of fuel (e.g., methane) on the fuel side, without allowing phase mixing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes using a medical fluid pump of a medical fluid pumping machine, such as a hemodialysis machine, to deliver medical fluid to a first portion of a cartridge that is positioned within a magnetic field, exciting atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge by applying radio frequency energy to the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, receiving radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to making medical solutions. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes introducing liquid into a container that contains a dissolvable solid concentrate in a manner so that a layer of solution above the solid concentrate is maintained at a depth that allows the liquid introduced into the container to agitate the solution adjacent to the solid concentrate to cause mixing of the solid concentrate with the solution.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes reading an indicia of a medical fluid cartridge to determine a volume of a fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia, receiving radio frequency energy generated by excited atoms in medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the determined volume of the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia and the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.

Abstract: An extensible device supporting a multidimensional sorting method for the concurrent sorting and filling of lightweight materials into plastic bags, with interlocking strip fasteners. The device comprising a planar array of at least one ribbed tubular insert, integrated vertically onto a thin plate, and supported above a work surface. Each ribbed tubular insert having an exterior surface comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves circumscribing the perimeter of the insert about its elongated axis, and containing a smooth-wall hollow core, with a top opening for loading, and a bottom opening for discharging at a distal end. The tongue and groove of the bag strip fastener securely engages with the insert ridges and grooves, thereby allowing the bags and associated fill material to be vertically suspended above the work surface. The array of inserts and bags are labeled similarly to associate the selected sorting criteria with the applicable bag contents.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method wherein a database query including a first constraint and additional constraint(s) are received in a first node. Data in the first node that satisfies the first constraint is identified, encoded, and sent to a second node. Encoded data is identified in a mapping table in the second node; and, one or more missing identifiers are identified that include encoded data that is not in the mapping table. The missing identifier is sent to the first node, decoded to retrieve the value of the missing identifier, and mapped to the retrieved value. The mapping of the missing identifier and the retrieved value are sent to the second node. A dictionary in the second node is queried with the retrieved value to identify an identification number for the retrieved value. The missing identifier is mapped to the identification number for the retrieved value.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes using a medical fluid pump of a medical fluid pumping machine, such as a hemodialysis machine, to deliver medical fluid to a first portion of a cartridge that is positioned within a magnetic field, exciting atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge by applying radio frequency energy to the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, receiving radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: An auto-injector automatically dispenses a predetermined dose of medicament upon activation. The auto-injector includes a needle cover operative to engage an injection site and activate the injector. The needle cover is configured to move from a locked retracted position prior to a medicament dispensing operation to a locked extended position after the medicament dispensing operation. The non-removable needle cover prevents contact with the needle both before and after the medicament dispensing operation.

Abstract: A placard holder has a clamp member with an enlarged head and an elongated stem. The head defines a narrow slot such that a card containing visually perceptible or machine readable information can be mounted to the head by a friction fit of an edge of the card inserted into the slot. The clamp member attaches to a supporting article such as a display stand by extending the stem through a hole of a thin wall of the support and placing a lock washer over the stem opposite the head. The lock washer is forced along the stem end to compress the wall between it and the head. Compression is maintained by prongs of the lock washer that engage radially protruding teeth disposed along the elongated stem. Paper or plastic placards such as business cards, credit cards, place cards, gift cards can be placed in the placard holder for display.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes reading an indicia of a medical fluid cartridge to determine a volume of a fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia, receiving radio frequency energy generated by excited atoms in medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the determined volume of the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia and the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: A placard holder has a clamp member with an enlarged head and an elongated stem. The head defines a narrow slot such that a card containing visually perceptible or machine readable information can be mounted to the head by a friction fit of an edge of the card inserted into the slot. The clamp member attaches to a supporting article such as a display stand by extending the stein through a hole of a thin wall of the support and placing a lock washer over the stem opposite the head. The lock washer is forced along the stem end to compress the wall between it and the head. Compression is maintained by prongs of the lock washer that engage radially protruding teeth disposed along the elongated stem. Paper or plastic placards such as business cards, credit cards, place cards, gift cards can be placed in the placard holder for display.