Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane is described. The polymer coatings grafted to the porous membranes generally comprise a polymer of variable length of an electron beam (e-beam) reactive moiety, designated “poly-(A)x,” a linkage group that forms a bond between the between the poly-(A)x, and a functional B group available to react with a chemical group on a biomolecule, wherein the polymer coating on the porous membrane facilitates the immobilization of a biomolecule, such as DNA, RNA, a protein, and an antibody, on the porous membrane. The compositions find use in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostic tests, point of care tests, techniques for the isolation of a biomolecule from a biological sample, and other methods that require the immobilization of a biomolecule on a porous membrane. Methods of making these modified porous membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane is described. The polymer coatings grafted to the porous membranes generally comprise a polymer of variable length of an electron beam (e-beam) reactive moiety, designated “poly-(A)x,” a linkage group that forms a bond between the between the poly-(A)x, and a functional B group available to react with a chemical group on a biomolecule, wherein the polymer coating on the porous membrane facilitates the immobilization of a biomolecule, such as DNA, RNA, a protein, and an antibody, on the porous membrane. The compositions find use in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostic tests, point of care tests, techniques for the isolation of a biomolecule from a biological sample, and other methods that require the immobilization of a biomolecule on a porous membrane. Methods of making these modified porous membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymeric hydrophilic coating grafted to a porous membrane is described. The polymeric hydrophilic coatings grafted to the porous membranes comprise, for example, a PEG moiety such as a PEGMA, a PEGDA, or a TMPET, wherein the polymeric hydrophilic coating on the porous membrane decreases non-specific binding of unwanted material to the porous membrane and increases the signal to noise ratio in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostic tests, and point of care tests. Methods of making these modified porous membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane is described. The polymer coatings grafted to the porous membranes generally comprise a polymer of variable length of an electron beam (e-beam) reactive moiety, designated “poly-(A)x,” a linkage group that forms a bond between the between the poly-(A)x, and a functional B group available to react with a chemical group on a biomolecule, wherein the polymer coating on the porous membrane facilitates the immobilization of a biomolecule, such as DNA, RNA, a protein, and an antibody, on the porous membrane. The compositions find use in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostic tests, point of care tests, techniques for the isolation of a biomolecule from a biological sample, and other methods that require the immobilization of a biomolecule on a porous membrane. Methods of making these modified porous membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified porous membrane comprising a polymeric hydrophilic coating bonded to a porous membrane is described. The polymeric hydrophilic coatings grafted to the porous membranes comprise, for example, a PEG moiety such as a PEGMA, a PEGDA, or a TMPET, wherein the polymeric hydrophilic coating on the porous membrane decreases non-specific binding of unwanted material to the porous membrane and increases the signal to noise ratio in immunoassays, in vitro diagnostic tests, and point of care tests. Methods of making these modified porous membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for converting between different time domains at a local unit utilizing an processor is disclosed. Time counters to count time in at least two different formats are located locally at each unit. Once a time conversion is initiated, a time stamp is received by the processor and the time counter in the new time domain commences calculating an adjustment count. Once the converted time is received from the processor, the received time plus the adjustment count are summed to provide a time base for the new time domain. The time counters continue counting in their respective time domains after conversion.

Abstract: An open frame chassis has a top opening and a bottom opening permitting ambient airflow. A plurality of modules, each enclosing electrical components in thermal contact with a heat sink area of their corresponding module, can each be inserted in the chassis. Ambient air may flow from the bottom opening across the heat sink area of each module to the top opening to passively cool the modules and electrical components. Key pins guide the modules into place and prevent incorrect insertion of a different type of electrical module not corresponding to the electrical connection of the chassis for that slot. Guide pins on corners of the modules mate with guide holes in the chassis to secure the module to the chassis and decrease vibration. Both sides of the chassis have side openings through which the fins of the modules in the end slots of the chassis may be exposed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and article for storing genetic material or analytes from a biological sample by contacting said biological sample with a cellulose substrate comprising structural units of Formula I wherein X and Y are independently N—O-L-A or O, with the proviso that when Y is O, then X is N—O-L-A, and when X is O, then Y is N—O-L-A; L is a direct bond, an aliphatic radical, an aromatic radical, a cycloaliphatic radical, or a combination thereof; and A=COOH, SO3H, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a cellulose substrate comprising the structural units of Formula I, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. In the QUIC method in, the reaction mixture is shaken intermittently. The surprising speed and efficiency of the method permits the rapid identification and diagnosis of prion disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation (for example by sonication) and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. This assay, which is called rPrP-PMCA, is surprisingly much faster than existing PMCA methods, yet it still retains sufficient sensitivity to detect extremely low levels of PrP-res.

Abstract: An open frame chassis has a top opening and a bottom opening permitting ambient airflow. A plurality of modules, each enclosing electrical components in thermal contact with a heat sink area of their corresponding module, can each be inserted in the chassis. Ambient air may flow from the bottom opening across the heat sink area of each module to the top opening to passively cool the modules and electrical components. Key pins guide the modules into place and prevent incorrect insertion of a different type of electrical module not corresponding to the electrical connection of the chassis for that slot. Guide pins on corners of the modules mate with guide holes in the chassis to secure the module to the chassis and decrease vibration. Both sides of the chassis have side openings through which the fins of the modules in the end slots of the chassis may be exposed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and article for storing genetic material or analytes from a biological sample by contacting said biological sample with a cellulose substrate comprising structural units of Formula I wherein X and Y are independently N—O-L-A or O, with the proviso that when Y is O, then X is N—O-L-A, and when X is O, then Y is N—O-L-A; L is a direct bond, an aliphatic radical, an aromatic radical, a cycloaliphatic radical, or a combination thereof; and A=COOH, SO3H, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a cellulose substrate comprising the structural units of Formula I, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane includes a porous base membrane and electrolytes dispersed within the pores of the base membrane. The electrolytes include metal oxide compounds having acid functionality. A process for making the membrane is also provided. The membrane is compatible, durable, highly conductive, mechanically strong and dimensionally stable.

Abstract: A desk is disclosed for use by teachers. The desk has a fixed-height portion which remains stationary as well as an adjustable-height portion which can be raised and lowered as needed to allow students to view objects on the desk such as experiments being performed when the adjustable-height portion is in a raised position and to see the space behind the desk, which may contain a blackboard, white board, or other object which students would wan to view, when the adjustable-height portion is in a lowered position.

Abstract: A handicap accessible laboratory table is disclosed for use in lectures and laboratory experiments. The table has a base suitable for wheelchair access, a generally planar countertop mounted on at least three telescoping legs, a motor to raise and lower the countertop without requiring locking the legs into position, and a fixed-height sink mounted adjacent to the edge of the countertop and providing clearance for a wheelchair to fit beneath the sink. Optionally, the table can also have a marine edge to control spills, a two-depth sink to allow for handicap access which can have a faucet or a sprayer, a finger guard to protect children's fingers when the countertop is in motion, a storage area for rods, and a key-activated switch or remote for controlling the countertop height.

Abstract: A separation matrix comprises a porous surface layer; and a bulk porous support, wherein both the porous surface layer and the bulk porous support comprising a block copolymer. The block copolymer comprises A-B or A-B-A repeating units, wherein A and B at each occurrence are two different blocks of oligomer, or polymer. A structural unit of block A is derived from one or more atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-active monomer or oligomer and a structural unit of block B is derived from a thermoplastic ATRP-active macro initiator. A poly dispersity index of the block copolymer is at least about 2.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A method and device for converting between different time domains at a local unit utilizing an processor is disclosed. Time counters to count time in at least two different formats are located locally at each unit. Once a time conversion is initiated, a time stamp is received by the processor and the time counter in the new time domain commences calculating an adjustment count. Once the converted time is received from the processor, the received time plus the adjustment count are summed to provide a time base for the new time domain. The time counters continue counting in their respective time domains after conversion.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.