Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate barrel (162), shaped to define a channel (164) therethrough, in which a porous carrier (170), that holds a surfactant (172), is disposed. A sponge (130) is coupled to the distal portion (124) of a plunger (122) that is dimensioned to slide snugly within the channel. While the sponge holds saliva, sliding of the plunger through the channel compresses the sponge within the channel. Compression of the sponge within the channel drives at least a portion of the saliva: (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, and (ii) from the carrier, together with at least a portion of the surfactant, into a collection tube (180) that is reversibly couplable to an outlet (168) at a distal region of the channel. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An elongate barrel is shaped to define a channel therethrough. A proximal region of the barrel defines an opening into the channel, and a distal region of the barrel defines an outlet from the channel. A sponge holding a body fluid sample is introduced into the opening by sliding a distal portion of a plunger, to which the sponge is coupled, through the channel. A porous carrier holding a reagent is disposed within the channel. Sliding the distal portion of the plunger distally through the channel drives the sample out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the reagent. The sample is driven, with the dissolved reagent, through the outlet and onto a sample pad of a lateral flow platform. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A barrel defines a channel, and has an opening into the channel, and an outlet from the channel. A porous carrier disposed within the channel carries an albumin. A cellulosic stationary phase is disposed within the channel between the carrier and the distal region of the barrel. A lateral flow platform is coupled to the barrel such that a sample pad of the lateral flow platform is in fluid communication with the outlet. A sponge, coupled to a plunger, is configured to hold saliva. The plunger is dimensioned to compress the sponge within the channel such that the saliva is driven (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the albumin, (ii) with the dissolved albumin, into the stationary phase, and (iii) as an eluate, out of the stationary phase, through the outlet, and onto the sample pad. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A barrel defines a channel, and has an opening into the channel, and an outlet from the channel. A porous carrier disposed within the channel carries an albumin. A cellulosic stationary phase is disposed within the channel between the carrier and the distal region of the barrel. A lateral flow platform is coupled to the barrel such that a sample pad of the lateral flow platform is in fluid communication with the outlet. A sponge, coupled to a plunger, is configured to hold saliva. The plunger is dimensioned to compress the sponge within the channel such that the saliva is driven (i) out of the sponge and through the carrier, dissolving at least some of the albumin, (ii) with the dissolved albumin, into the stationary phase, and (iii) as an eluate, out of the stationary phase, through the outlet, and onto the sample pad. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in adjusting a controllable system based on a user-communication input, such as non-detailed or indiscriminate input. The apparatus includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations for determining an objective system command, corresponding to the user input, for use in adjusting the controllable system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-readable device cause a processor to perform operations for interpreting a user request, such as a tactile inputs, gestures, and speech, to a vehicle system. The operations include receiving an input data package comprising user communications. The operations then determine using a human-machine interface whether the input data package contains an implicit user request or an explicit user request. The operations also assign a level of abstraction to the control language data set. Also disclosed are methods for receiving, interpreting, and storing a user request at one or more levels of abstraction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-readable device cause a processor to perform operations for interpreting a user request, such as a tactile inputs, gestures, and speech, to a vehicle system. The operations include receiving an input data package comprising user communications. The operations then determine using a human-machine interface whether the input data package contains an implicit user request or an explicit user request. The operations also assign a level of abstraction to the control language data set. Also disclosed are methods for receiving, interpreting, and storing a user request at one or more levels of abstraction.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in adjusting a controllable system based on a user-communication input, such as non-detailed or indiscriminate input. The apparatus includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations for determining an objective system command, corresponding to the user input, for use in adjusting the controllable system.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing pancreatic cancer in a subject is provided. The method comprising determining a level and/or activity of at least one saliva secreted marker in a saliva sample of the subject wherein an alteration in said marker with respect to an unaffected saliva sample is indicative of the pancreatic cancer.