Abstract: An optical well is configured to receive a test sample for examining an optical characteristic of the sample at a first wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range. The optical well includes a wall having a bottom wall portion and a sidewall portion defining a chamber for receiving the test sample, and an optical film formed into a shape so that a portion of the sidewall portion includes a first portion of the optical film, and a portion of the bottom wall portion includes a second portion of the optical film. For a normally incident light, the microlayers in each of the first and second portions have an average optical reflectance of greater than about 80% in the predetermined wavelength range. The forming results in the plurality of microlayers of the integral formed optical film having a thinnest portion and a thickest portion having a thickness difference of at least 30%.

Abstract: A recycling optical cavity is defined at least by first and second optical films and is configured to receive a test material therein. The test material is configured to emit at least a second light having a second wavelength when irradiated with a first light having a first wavelength. For at least one of s- and p-polarized incident lights incident in an incident plane, and at the first and second wavelengths: at a first incident angle, the first optical film has respective optical transmittances T11(?1) and T12(?1), and the second optical film has respective optical transmittances T21(?1) and T22(?1), wherein T11(?1)>T12(?1), T21(?1), T22(?1); and at a second incident angle, the first optical film has respective optical transmittances T11(?2) and T12(?2), and the second optical film has respective optical transmittances T21(?2) and T22(?2), wherein T21(?2)>T11(?2), T12(?2), T22(?2).

Abstract: In some examples, a system for detecting inhibition of a biological assay includes a detection device configured to amplify and detect a target nucleic acid. The detection device is configured to receive a sample comprising a matrix and a quantity of the target nucleic acid and to amplify the target nucleic acid within the sample over a nucleic acid amplification cycle. The detection device is configured to capture a data set including measurements of the nucleic acid collected during the amplification cycle. The system further includes a computing device configured to receive the data set and to apply a machine-learning system to the data set to detect inhibited biological assays that tested negative for the target nucleic acid due to matrix inhibition.

Abstract: In some examples, a system for amplifying and quantifying a target organism present in a sample includes a detection device configured to amplify and detect a nucleic acid associated with the target organism. The detection device configured to receive a sample and to amplify nucleic acid in the sample over an amplification cycle. The detection device is configured to capture a data set including measurements of the nucleic acid collected during the amplification cycle. The system further includes a computing device configured to receive the data set and to apply a machine learning system to the data set. The machine learning system is trained to estimate a quantity of the target organism present in the sample based on the measurements in the data set.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive articles include a substrate, and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive in contact with the substrate. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer includes a pressure sensitive adhesive matrix, and at least one active enzyme dispersed within the pressure sensitive adhesive matrix. The active enzyme remains active for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest using a separation liquid. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a concentrate of a sample resulting from centrifugation of the sample. The container can further include a separation liquid located between the microcavity and a supernatant of the sample located outside of the microcavity. The separation liquid can have a density greater than that of the supernatant of the sample, and an interfacial tension with the supernatant of at least 0.05 N/m. The separation liquid can be non-toxic and inert. The method can include adding the separation liquid to the sample detection container, after centrifuging the sample detection container, to displace the supernatant located outside of the microcavity from the microcavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a top opening, a base, and a longitudinal axis. The container can further include a wall that extends to the microcavity, wherein at least a portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity has a slope that is oriented at an effective angle ? with respect to the longitudinal axis of the microcavity. The effective angle ? can be greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at least the portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity that is oriented at the effective angle ? can have a length of at least 5 times a transverse dimension of the microcavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest. The method can include providing a container (102) adapted to receive a sample (152). The container can include a microstructured surface (130). The method can further include positioning a sample in the container; adding an H2S probe and an enzyme substrate to the container; centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample; inverting the container, after centrifuging the container, to remove at least a portion of the supernatant from being in contact with the microstructured surface; and interrogating the concentrate in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest.

Abstract: A self-administered tamper-evident drug detection system. The system includes a biometric detection surface for each of a user's right and left hands, configured to identify the user and prevent tamper by continuously capturing biometric information from each of the user's right and left hands while the system is administering a drug detection test. The system further includes a collection device to administer the drug detection test by exposing a sample collection device to a user's mouth to collect a saliva sample.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a passive water volume flux of at least 10 L/m2·h·psi, wherein the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m, thereby retaining at least one biological organism on the surface of the membrane; and detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to curable compositions that include a benzoxazine resin and a polyamide resin, wherein the polyamide resin is a reaction product of (i) a dicarboxylic acid, wherein the dicarboxylic acid includes a non-aromatic, dicarboxylic dimer acid and the mole fraction of the non-aromatic, dicarboxylic dimer acid is between from 0.10 to 1.00, based on the total moles of dicarboxylic acid used to form the polyamide resin; and (ii) a diamine; and wherein the polyamide resin is amine terminated and includes amine end-groups. The curable compositions may be used to produce an article comprising a cured composition wherein the cured composition is the reaction product of the curable composition according to any one of the curable compositions of the present disclosure. The present invention also relates to methods of coating substrates using the curable compositions of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container including a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., including the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Abstract: Nonwoven articles for detecting microorganisms or cellular analytes in a fluid sample are provided. The nonwoven article includes a fibrous porous matrix and concentration agent particles enmeshed in the fibrous porous matrix. The fibrous porous matrix generally consists of inorganic fibers and polymeric fibers. Methods of detecting microorganisms or cellular analytes in a fluid sample are also provided. The method includes providing the nonwoven article, providing a fluid sample suspected of containing at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte, contacting the fluid sample with the nonwoven article such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte is bound to the nonwoven article, and detecting the presence of bound microorganism strain(s) or bound cellular analyte(s).

Abstract: Methods of detecting microorganisms in a fluid sample are provided. The method includes providing a nonwoven article, providing a fluid sample suspected of containing at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte, and contacting the fluid sample with the nonwoven article such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte is bound to the nonwoven article. The nonwoven article includes a fibrous porous matrix and a concentration agent particles enmeshed in the fibrous porous matrix. The method further includes placing the microorganism strain- or target cellular analyte-bound nonwoven article in contact with at least one detection reagent and detecting the presence of the bound microorganism strain or bound target cellular analyte. Devices and kits containing the devices, for contacting a fluid sample with a nonwoven article, are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and systems for isolating microorganisms from a sample, the sample including sample matrix and microorganisms, the kit including concentration agent; and a system for isolating microorganisms from a sample.

Abstract: A self-administered tamper-evident drug detection system. The system includes a biometric detection surface for each of a user's right and left hands, configured to identify the user and prevent tamper by continuously capturing biometric information from each of the user's right and left hands while the system is administering a drug detection test. The system further includes a collection device to administer the drug detection test by exposing a sample collection device to a user's mouth to collect a saliva sample.

Abstract: Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container comprising a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., comprising the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a passive water volume flux of at least 10 L/m2·h·psi, wherein the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m, thereby retaining at least one biological organism on the surface of the membrane; and detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container comprising a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., comprising the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest using a separation liquid. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a concentrate of a sample resulting from centrifugation of the sample. The container can further include a separation liquid located between the microcavity and a supernatant of the sample located outside of the microcavity. The separation liquid can have a density greater than that of the supernatant of the sample, and an interfacial tension with the supernatant of at least 0.05 N/m. The separation liquid can be non-toxic and inert. The method can include adding the separation liquid to the sample detection container, after centrifuging the sample detection container, to displace the supernatant located outside of the microcavity from the microcavity.