Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer implemented method for transaction processing that includes: transacting for a first and a second transactions for at least one of: a purchase; and a cash advance; sending requests for authorization of the first and second transactions; declining, by a primary lender, the requests for authorization; evaluating the declined requests for authorization by a secondary lender; authorizing, by the secondary lender, the declined requests for authorization in the form of authorization approvals; communicating the authorization approvals by the primary lender; posting the transactions to a balance sheet of the secondary lender in the form of amounts due to the primary lender; funding the transactions by the primary lender; summing up one or more debits and one or more credits of the posted transactions of the secondary lender; and settling any amounts due between the primary and secondary lenders.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits and compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and devices for the controlled fabrication of nanostructures from starting components that have high fidelity recognition properties and multiple binding groups. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the formation of nanostructures using controlled sequential addition of nanocomponents at regular intervials via sequential formation of binding pairs or other chemical binding reactions.

Abstract: We have performed separation of bacterial and cancer cells from peripheral human blood in microfabricated electronic chips by dielectrophoresis. The isolated cells were examined by staining the nuclei with fluorescent dye followed by laser induced fluorescence imaging. We have also released DNA and RNA from the isolated cells electronically and detected specific marker sequences by DNA amplification followed by electronic hybridization to immobilized capture probes. Efforts towards the construction of a “laboratory-on-a-chip” system are presented which involves the selection of DNA probes, dyes, reagents and prototyping of the fully integrated portable instrument.

Abstract: A method for electronically stabilizing hybridization of nucleic acids bound at a test site of a microelectronic device is described. First and second negatively charged nucleic acids are provided, the second nucleic acid being bound to the test site. A zwitterionic buffer having a conductance of less than 100 mS/cm is applied to the microelectronic device. A current is applied to the test site to positively bias the test site, such that the first negatively charged nucleic acid is transported to the positively biased test site having the bound the second negatively charged nucleic acid. At the test site, the first and second negatively charged nucleic acids hybridize.

Abstract: A system for performing molecular biological diagnosis, analysis and multistep and multiplex reactions utilizes a selfaddressable, selfassembling microelectronic system for actively carrying out controlled reactions in microscopic formats. Preferably, a fluidic system flow a sample across an active area of the biochip, increasing diagnostic efficiency. Preferably, the fluidic system includes a flow cell having a window. Pulsed activation of the electrodes of the biochip are advantageously employed with the fluidic system, permitting more complete sampling of the materials within the biological sample. An improved detection system utilizes a preferably coaxially oriented excitation fiber, such as a fiber optic, disposed within a light guide, such as a liquid light guide. In this way, small geometric systems may be fluorescently imaged. A highly automated DNA diagnostic system results.

Abstract: Methods for catalyzing cleavage of a bond with an electric field device. In one method, a catalytic peptide having a first reactive group and a second reactive group is coupled to an electrode. The catalytic peptide is then contacted with a solution containing a substrate. The first reactive group reacts with the substrate to form a first intermediate. The second reactive group then reacts with the first intermediate to form a positively-charged second intermediate having an acyl bond and a negatively-charged first reactive group. An electronic pulsing sequence is then applied to the electrode to separate the negatively-charged first reactive group and the positively-charged second intermediate. The second intermediate is then reacted by acyl transfer to cleave the acyl bond. The first reactive group may be a sulfhydryl or deprotonated sulfhydryl. The second reactive group may be an imidazole. The substrate may contain an ester or amide bond.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates monitoring the amplification of nucleic acid using chromophore-containing polynucleotides having at least two donor chromophores operatively linked to the polynucleotide by linker arms, such that the chromophores are positioned by linkage along the length of the polynucleotide at a donor-donor transfer distance, and at least one fluorescing acceptor chromophore operatively linked to the polynucleotide by a linker arm, such that the fluorescing acceptor chromophore is positioned by linkage at a donor-acceptor transfer distance from at least one of the donor chromophores, to form a photonic structure for collecting photonic energy and transferring the energy to an acceptor chromophore, and methods using the photonic structures.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the fabrication of microscale, including micron and sub-micron scale, including nanoscale, devices. Electronic transport of movable component devices is utilized through a fluidic medium to effect transport to a desired target location on a substrate or motherboard. Forces include electrophoretic force, electroosmotic force, electrostatic force and/or dielectrophoretic force. In the preferred embodiment, free field electroosmotic forces are utilized either alone, or in conjunction with, other forces. These forces may be used singly or in combination, as well as in conjunction with yet other forces, such as fluidic forces, mechanical forces or thermal convective forces. Transport may be effected through the use of driving electrodes so as to transport the component device to yet other connection electrodes. In certain embodiments, the component devices may be attached to the target device using a solder reflow step.

Abstract: A kit for making a relief image that includes a film made of an infrared-imageable material and a separate imageable article comprising a photosensitive material disposed on a substrate. The film may be used to form a mask image that is opaque to a curing radiation by exposing the infrared-imageable material to infrared radiation. The mask image may then be transferred to the photosensitive material. The resulting assembly may be exposed to the curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material. Finally, the photosensitive material and mask image may be developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for making a relief image. A film that includes a carrier sheet and an imageable material is used to form a mask image that is opaque to a curing radiation. In one embodiment, the mask image is formed on the carrier sheet while in another embodiment, the mask image is formed on a receptor sheet. The mask image is then transferred to a photosensitive material, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to the curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material. The carrier sheet or the receptor sheet may be removed from the mask image either before or after exposure to the curing radiation. Finally, the photosensitive material and mask image assembly is developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a multi-layer thermal imaging receptor having superior transferability and image color stability for color proofing applications where the images are generated by a laser thermal process. The present invention includes a first support coated by at least, in order, a heat sensitive releasable transfer layer coated, an interfacial bonding layer and an image receiving layer of the present invention adapted to adhere to a second support when heated. The interfacial bonding layer is adapted to enhance adhesion between the heat sensitive releasable transfer layer and the image receiving layer. The present invention further provides a method of making a multi-layer thermal imaging receptor and a method of imaging using the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoscale transduction systems that produce reversible signals to facilitate detection. In one respect, the invention relates to the analysis of molecular binding events using higher order signaling nanoscale constructs, or “nanomachines”, that allow nanostructures to be individually detectable, even in the midst of high background noise. Such systems are particularly useful for improving the performance of rare target detection methods, as well as being generally useful in any field in which sensitivity, discrimination and confidence in detection are important.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microtiter plate format devices and methods for separating molecules having different net charges. The devices and methods of the invention are particularly suited for use in high-throughput screening to monitor enzymatic reactions which result in a product having an altered net charge. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be used to detect the activity of phosphatases, proteases and kinases on various peptidic substrates under various conditions.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the design, fabrication, and uses of an electronic system which can actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex reactions in macroscopic or microscopic formats. In particular, these reactions include molecular biological reactions, such as nucleic acid hybridizations, nucleic acid amplification, sample preparation, antibody/antigen reactions, clinical diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry and selection, drug screening, oligonucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis, peptide synthesis, biopolymer synthesis, and catalytic reactions.

Abstract: A golf teaching technique is enclosed, in addition to golf equipment for teaching and recreation. The equipment includes golf clubs, balls, and targets, and also includes a method for teaching students how to properly use these items.