Abstract: An artificial intelligence search engine integrates engineering knowledge and three-dimensional routing space treatment. A graphical user interface (GUI) prompts a user to input starting and ending points corresponding to conduits of a specified type, via an interactive three-dimensional model of a space in an industrial plant. The artificial intelligence search engine determines an optimal path from multiple three-dimensional path options corresponding to each conduit, based on a design constraint and/or objective. A machine-learning model modifies the optimal path options, based on previous user actions responding to previous optimal path options. The GUI displays the modified path options via the interactive three-dimensional model of the space. A natural language processor executes to: i) query engineering information, ii) operate the artificial intelligence search engine to generate design options, iii) deploy user-selected options, or iv) adapt the modified path options, in response to user actions.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits are provided for allergy testing based on basophil activation in a blood sample. Susceptibility of an individual to an allergic reaction to an allergen is detected by collecting a blood sample from the individual and assaying for activation of basophils in response to stimulation with an allergen. In particular, a microfluidic device is provided for automating the assay for detecting basophil activation as an indication of the susceptibility of an individual to an allergic reaction as well as kits containing such a device and diagnostic methods for using such a device for allergy testing. Additionally, such a microfluidic device can be adapted for multiplexed detection of allergic responses to multiple allergens by performing assays in parallel to detect the basophil responses to each allergen.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits are provided for isolating a target cell from a fluid sample. In particular, a magnetophoretic separation device is provided that applies varying magnetic field strength to flowing magnetically tagged cells. Immunomagnetic negative selection of target cells is used to maintain target cells in their native, unlabeled state. The magnetophoretic separation device is suitable for isolating cells from low volumes of whole blood, which provides an advantage over in-bulk methods that require larger starting volumes of blood. A computer implemented method is also provided for producing target magnetophoretic profiles along the path through which cells travel through a fluidic conduit in the device that is adaptable to a variety of form factors.

Abstract: A microscale biological tissue cutting device is made of a horizontal array of identically shaped polygonal through holes between vertically-oriented blades which form the sides of the polygonal through holes. Each of the through holes has a width less than 1 mm. The blades are joined at vertices of the polygonal through holes and have vertical peaks at the vertices. The vertical peaks have heights in the range 1-200 ?m above a lowest height of a cutting edge of the blades. The blades may be made of a material such as silicon, glass, plastic, resin, or metal.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits are provided for allergy testing based on basophil activation in a blood sample. Susceptibility of an individual to an allergic reaction to an allergen is detected by collecting a blood sample from the individual and assaying for activation of basophils in response to stimulation with an allergen. In particular, a microfluidic device is provided for automating the assay for detecting basophil activation as an indication of the susceptibility of an individual to an allergic reaction as well as kits containing such a device and diagnostic methods for using such a device for allergy testing. Additionally, such a microfluidic device can be adapted for multiplexed detection of allergic responses to multiple allergens by performing assays in parallel to detect the basophil responses to each allergen.