Abstract: A method useful for providing a phytonutrient to a subject via mediation of the subject's microbiome is disclosed. The method includes administering a phytofunctional composition to a subject change the phytonutrient producer status of the subject. The method may also include identifying a phytonutrient producer status of the subject by assessing a level of at least one of a preselected phytonutrient and a preselected phytonutrient precursor compound within the subject. A phytofunctional composition useful in the method is also disclosed, and comprises a phytonutrient precursor compound and an active agent. The active agent comprises a probiotic and/or a prebiotic, and is adapted to mediate production of the preselected phytonutrient in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, thereby changing the phytonutrient producer status of the subject.

Abstract: A method useful for providing a phytonutrient to a subject via mediation of the subject’s microbiome is disclosed. The method includes administering a phytofunctional composition to a subject change the phytonutrient producer status of the subject. The method may also include identifying a phytonutrient producer status of the subject by assessing a level of at least one of a preselected phytonutrient and a preselected phytonutrient precursor compound within the subject. A phytofunctional composition useful in the method is also disclosed, and comprises a phytonutrient precursor compound and an active agent. The active agent comprises a probiotic and/or a prebiotic, and is adapted to mediate production of the preselected phytonutrient in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, thereby changing the phytonutrient producer status of the subject.

Abstract: An integrated system for delivering weight loss guidance and activity tracking in a mobile format. The integrated system includes a weight loss program hosted on a mobile device. The weight loss program includes an energy intake prescription to guide a participant toward a target weight according to a weight loss prediction model that is visually depicted in a first application window. The mobile device can be paired with a weight sensor to provide weight updates at regular intervals. The mobile device can also be paired with a caloric expenditure measuring device, for example a step counter, to display activity levels for comparison with recommended activity goals in a second application window. The weight loss program extends over multiple phases that are structured to help individuals gradually achieve a sustainable weight loss while increasing daily activity levels over the duration of the program.

Abstract: A method useful for providing a phytonutrient to a subject via mediation of the subject's microbiome is disclosed. The method includes administering a phytofunctional composition to a subject change the phytonutrient producer status of the subject. The method may also include identifying a phytonutrient producer status of the subject by assessing a level of at least one of a preselected phytonutrient and a preselected phytonutrient precursor compound within the subject. A phytofunctional composition useful in the method is also disclosed, and comprises a phytonutrient precursor compound and an active agent. The active agent comprises a probiotic and/or a prebiotic, and is adapted to mediate production of the preselected phytonutrient in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, thereby changing the phytonutrient producer status of the subject.

Abstract: An integrated system for delivering weight loss guidance and activity tracking in a mobile format. The integrated system includes a weight loss program hosted on a mobile device. The weight loss program includes an energy intake prescription to guide a participant toward a target weight according to a weight loss prediction model that is visually depicted in a first application window. The mobile device can be paired with a weight sensor to provide weight updates at regular intervals. The mobile device can also be paired with a caloric expenditure measuring device, for example a step counter, to display activity levels for comparison with recommended activity goals in a second application window. The weight loss program extends over multiple phases that are structured to help individuals gradually achieve a sustainable weight loss while increasing daily activity levels over the duration of the program.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dietary guidance is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of a health program for an individual, the health program including a dietary regimen, measuring the individual's caloric expenditure and change in body composition or body mass during the individual's participation in the health program, determining adherence to the health program based on the measured caloric expenditure or the measured change in body composition or body mass, identifying a modification to the health program, and informing the individual of the modification. The modification can include nutritional supplements, meals or recipes having a nutritional and/or caloric content tailored to assist the individual in meeting his or her health goals. The method can further include predicting an expected change in body composition or body mass based on the health program and based on the individual's gender, age, height, weight, and other factors.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in a centrifuge system configured to spin the rotor for separating complex fluids. The rotor includes a housing configured to be secured by the centrifuge system and several chambers formed in the housing. Each chamber includes a first chamber portion having a port formed therein and a second chamber portion in fluid communication with the port of the first chamber portion. The second chamber portion may be disposed generally below the port of the first chamber portion. Other rotor designs and methods for separating complex fluids are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dietary guidance is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of a health program for an individual, the health program including a dietary regimen, measuring the individual's caloric expenditure and change in body composition or body mass during the individual's participation in the health program, determining adherence to the health program based on the measured caloric expenditure or the measured change in body composition or body mass, identifying a modification to the health program, and informing the individual of the modification. The modification can include nutritional supplements, meals or recipes having a nutritional and/or caloric content tailored to assist the individual in meeting his or her health goals. The method can further include predicting an expected change in body composition or body mass based on the health program and based on the individual's gender, age, height, weight, and other factors.

Abstract: A behavior modification system includes a network of components that interact to collect various data and provide user feedback. The network may include a personal device, an Internet-enabled storage device and a hub capable of receiving communications from the personal device and communicating to the storage device. The personal device may include bio-impedance measurement circuitry, an accelerometer and a processor for determining energy expenditure based on data from the accelerometer(s). The system may include a smart hub capable of routing communications between various components within the system. The hub may include different transceivers for different communication protocols. The system may incorporate a low-power RF wake-up system. The system may include bio-impedance measurement circuitry that is reconfigurable to function as an alternative type of sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for approximating caloric energy intake and/or macronutrient composition using thermogenesis. The system may include one or more sensors for tracking body temperature over a period of time, and may include a processor configured to determine caloric energy intake and/or macronutrient composition based on body temperature. The system may be configured to normalize body temperature readings to compensate for factors other than thermogenesis that might affect core body temperature. The system may include one or more sensors for measuring normalization factors, and a processor for normalizing raw body temperature readings based on the measured normalized factors. The method may include the steps of: (a) collecting body temperature data, (b) normalizing the raw body temperature data and (c) determining caloric energy intake and/or macronutrient composition from the normalized data. The system may be configured to account for user calibration data when characterizing macronutrient composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an individual's personal correlation factor and, using the personal correlation factor, determining the individual's caloric intake. A method for determining a personal correlation factor includes determining a body composition change over a calibration period, converting the body composition change to an equivalent energy value, and dividing the equivalent energy value by a net caloric value for the same calibration period, wherein the net caloric value includes a caloric expenditure less a caloric intake. A method for determining a subsequent caloric intake includes converting a body composition change to an equivalent energy value, dividing the equivalent energy value by the personal correlation value, and adding to this quotient the individual's caloric expenditure, wherein each step is performed using a processor.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.

Abstract: Methods and devices for evaluating a sample from a subject for detecting a target red blood cell protein or antibody are disclosed. In one embodiment, optimized antibody screening methods and devices significantly reduce the level of non-specific binding to a surface (e.g., a test surface bound with a red blood cell preparation), thus allowing for more efficient detection and reduced test time. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for target capturing that include a substantially planar surface, optionally having an optimized angle, for capture. Alternative solid phase geometries for capture are disclosed. Optimized methods for cell deposition are also disclosed. Thus, optimized methods, devices, kits, assays for evaluating a sample are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in a centrifuge system configured to spin the rotor for separating complex fluids. The rotor includes a housing configured to be secured by the centrifuge system and several chambers formed in the housing. Each chamber includes a first chamber portion having a port formed therein and a second chamber portion in fluid communication with the port of the first chamber portion. The second chamber portion may be disposed generally below the port of the first chamber portion. Other rotor designs and methods for separating complex fluids are further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting organisms e.g. bacteria using stochastic confinement effects with microfluidic technologies involving plugs are provided. Signal amplification methods for the detection of molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for assaying clotting activity. The apparatus includes an inlet for a blood fluid and two or more patches of material in the vessel. The material is capable of initiating a clotting pathway in a blood fluid. This invention also provides an apparatus for measuring clot propagation, which includes a region with material capable of initiating a clotting pathway, and a region where the clot propagation is monitored. Also provided are methods for assaying clotting activity, assaying the integrity of a blood clotting pathway, assaying the effect of a substance on the integrity of a blood clotting pathway, monitoring clot propagation, and preventing clot propagation from one vessel to another.