Abstract: A method for remotely sensing cardiac-related data of an animal subject includes transmitting a RF signal to impinge on tissue of the subject, receiving a reflected portion of the RF signal, generating baseband data, filtering baseband data (e.g., including high pass filtering), performing waveform phase position determination, performing at least one auto-correlation of the waveform phase position determined data, determining periodicity of the auto-correlated data, and (i) computing heart rate using a maximum periodicity of the periodicity, or (ii) identifying abnormalities in cardiac function, such as may be indicated by temporal variations in heart rate and/or signal amplitude corresponding to cardiac activity. Multiple bandpass filtering schemes may be employed.

Abstract: A method for remotely sensing cardiac-related data of an animal subject includes transmitting a RF signal to impinge on tissue of the subject, receiving a reflected portion of the RF signal, generating baseband data, filtering baseband data (e.g., including high pass filtering), performing waveform phase position determination, performing at least one auto-correlation of the waveform phase position determined data, determining periodicity of the auto-correlated data, and (i) computing heart rate using a maximum periodicity of the periodicity, or (ii) identifying abnormalities in cardiac function, such as may be indicated by temporal variations in heart rate and/or signal amplitude corresponding to cardiac activity. Multiple bandpass filtering schemes may be employed.

Abstract: A method for remotely sensing cardiac-related data of an animal subject includes transmitting a RF signal to impinge on tissue of the subject, receiving a reflected portion of the RF signal, generating baseband data, filtering baseband data (e.g., including high pass filtering), performing waveform phase position determination, performing at least one auto-correlation of the waveform phase position determined data, determining periodicity of the auto-correlated data, and (i) computing heart rate using a maximum periodicity of the periodicity, or (ii) identifying abnormalities in cardiac function, such as may be indicated by temporal variations in heart rate and/or signal amplitude corresponding to cardiac activity. Multiple bandpass filtering schemes may be employed.

Abstract: A method for remotely sensing cardiac-related data of an animal subject includes transmitting a RF signal to impinge on tissue of the subject, receiving a reflected portion of the RF signal, generating baseband data, filtering baseband data (e.g., including high pass filtering), performing waveform phase position determination, performing at least one auto-correlation of the waveform phase position determined data, determining periodicity of the auto-correlated data, and (i) computing heart rate using a maximum periodicity of the periodicity, or (ii) identifying abnormalities in cardiac function, such as may be indicated by temporal variations in heart rate and/or signal amplitude corresponding to cardiac activity. Multiple bandpass filtering schemes may be employed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing utility consumption includes use of (A) one or more sensors arranged to monitor an operating condition and/or utility consumption of at least one segment or appliance of a first facility; (B) a memory including at least one of (i) stored utility consumption information correlated or normalized to at least one designated parameter affecting utility consumption or (ii) hypothetical utility consumption; (C) a processor to compare the monitored information with the stored information, and (D) an output medium to store and/or display the comparison information. Stored consumption information may relate to the first facility or a second facility. Hypothetical utility consumption information may relate to a segment or appliance of the first facility operated according to optimized conditions, or an upgraded segment or appliance.

Abstract: A parallel fluid processing system including multiple fluid process regions containing solid material in fluid communication with a common first fluid source may be used to conduct analyses and/or synthesis in parallel. A parallel fluid processing data correction method includes supplying and processing a calibrant in each fluid process region, measuring a first physical parameter and deriving at least one correction factor based on the parameter, supplying and processing at least one second fluid in each fluid process region, and then applying the correction factor to yield corrected process data. Retention time correction, peak area correction, and other useful data corrections may be performed. Parallel fluid processing may be performed with microfluidic devices and systems. A system for correcting retention times in parallel liquid chromatography is further provided.

Abstract: High throughput analytical systems and methods employing multiple liquid phase separation process regions coupled to a common mass spectrometer are provided. Disclosed systems and methods permits parallel separation and parallel storage of discrete eluate fractions, followed by sequential discharge and ionization of previously stored eluate portions to yield a composite ion stream containing the sequential series of eluate portions, followed by mass analysis of the ion stream. A common manifold may receive ions and utilize pressurized gas or ion gating to direct ions within the manifold toward the mass spectrometer inlet.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometric preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A multi-analyzer mass spectrometer includes multiple inlets, multiple mass analyzers, and multiple transducers to conduct mass analyses of multiple samples in parallel. A modular mass analyzer may include a vacuum enclosure, a chassis, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed within the chassis. Modules are preferably disposed in a spatially compact two-dimensional array. A common multi-stage vacuum system may be utilized in conjunction with baffles or partitions disposed within and between modules to maintain differential vacuum conditions within the spectrometer utilizing a minimum number of pumps. Common control inputs may be provided to multiple modules or other components within a multi-analyzer spectrometer.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometric preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A multi-analyzer mass spectrometer includes multiple inlets, multiple mass analyzers, and multiple transducers to conduct mass analyses of multiple samples in parallel. A modular mass analyzer may include a vacuum enclosure, a chassis, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed within the chassis. Modules are preferably disposed in a spatially compact two-dimensional array. A common multi-stage vacuum system may be utilized in conjunction with baffles or partitions disposed within and between modules to maintain differential vacuum conditions within the spectrometer utilizing a minimum number of pumps. Common control inputs may be provided to multiple modules or other components within a multi-analyzer spectrometer.

Abstract: A pressure-driven microfluidic device for separating chemical or biological species from a sample provides on-column sample injection from a sample loading segment, with mobile phase solvent supplied to both the separation column and the sample loading segment to promote high-quality separation. Multiple separation channels each having an associated sample loading segment may be provided in a single device, with a first mobile phase solvent being supplied to an upstream portion of each separation channel via a first channel network and a second mobile phase solvent being supplied to each sample loading segment via a second channel network. Methods for operating pressure-driven microfluidic separation devices include the steps of supplying a sample to a sample loading segment and flowing mobile phase solvent an associated separation channel upstream of the sample loading region.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for electrostatically dispensing small volumes of biological or chemical material from a dispensing tip or array of dispensing tips. The apparatus includes a voltage generator, a dispensing head containing the liquid to be dispensed, and an electrode that is in electrical communication with the liquid such that when a voltage pulse is applied to the electrode, the liquid is dispensed from the dispensing head onto a receptacle. The apparatus also can include an electrostatically charged counterplane and can include a guard shield. The invention also provides for means for movement of the dispensing apparatus and the receptacle relative to each other. The invention also provides methods for dispensing fluids onto a receptacle surface, including 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a substrate upon which is located microdrop-sized loci at which chemical compounds are synthesized or diagnostic tests are conducted. The loci are formed by applying microdrops from a dispenser from which a microdrop is pulse fed onto the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for precise reduction of arrays of microspots. A pulse jetting device is employed having a capillary of micron dimensions, with a portion of the capillary proximal to the jetting orifice circumferentially surrounded by a piezoelectric transducer. By appropriate design of the capillary, orifice and piezoelectric transducer, droplets can be formed on a surface, separated by as little as 80 microns center-to-center, and having at least about a 15 micron spacing at the border. The subject substrate arrays can be used for providing miniaturized arrays of reagents, such as nucleic acids, for detecting the presence of homologous sequences in a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated synthesis of molecular arrays. A jetting device is employed along with a reaction chamber to dispense reagents used in the synthesis onto the substrate. A positioning system moves the substrate from the jet to the reaction chamber. A controller controls the movement of the substrate and the application of the reagents so that the synthesis is carried out according to a pre-determined procedure. The apparatus will synthesize nucleotides in an array of micron-size spots according to a pattern selected by the operator immediately prior to synthesis.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for precise production of arrays of microspots. A pulse jetting device is employed having a capillary of micron dimensions, with a portion of the capillary proximal to the jetting orifice circumferentially surrounded by a piezoelectric transducer. By appropriate design of the capillary, orifice and piezoelectric transducer, droplets can be formed on a surface, separated by as little as 80 microns center-to-center, and having at least about a 15 micron spacing at the border. The subject substrate arrays can be used for providing miniaturized arrays of reagents, such as nucleic acids, for detecting the presence of homologous sequences in a sample.

Abstract: A scanning force microscope is disclosed which includes integrated optics for viewing the optical lever arm, probe and sample to be examined. The scanning force microscope includes a simplified mounting of laser and related adjustments and the locating of a detector independent of the scanner, to improve ease of handling and providing convenient locations for adjustments. In one preferred embodiment of the scanning force microscope, the surface of samples may be imaged while the cantilever portion of the scanner is immersed in liquids without special set-up or special adapters.

Abstract: Formulations consisting of phospholipid small unilamellar particles encapsulating polyene antifungal antibiotics and methods for using such compositions to treat systemic fungal infections are described. In a preferred embodiment, the particles are in the form of vesicles which comprise a polyene antifungal antibiotic, preferably amphotericin B and/or nystatin, egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, preferably in the molar ratio of about 0.2 (AMB):2(PL):1(CHOL). These vesicles may also have an amine modified surface. The vesicles are suspended in a low isonic strength saccharide/tris solution at a pH of from about 6.0 to about 8.0 and may be administered to deliver the antifungal antibiotic to treat systemic fungal infections.

Abstract: Solvent vehicles and methods of their use in the pulse jet delivery of reagents in automated oligonucleotide synthesis by the solid-phase phosphoramidite method are provided. For pulse jet delivery of the activated monomer, acetonitrile in combination with at least one stabilizer co-solvent is employed as the solvent vehicle, where the stabilizer co-solvent is an inert, organic solvent having a boiling point of at least 100.degree. C. For pulse jet delivery of the detritylation reagent, a mono- or disubstituted methane is employed as the solvent vehicle, where substituents have a molecular weight greater than 36 daltons. Use of the solvent vehicles according to the subject invention provides for reduced reagent precipitation in the pulse jet tubes and improved results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a substrate upon which is located microdrop-sized loci at which chemical compounds are synthesized or diagnostic tests are conducted. The loci are formed by applying microdrops from a dispenser from which a microdrop is pulse fed onto the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope is disclosed which includes a pivotally mounted scanning assembly for scanning a surface of a sample. A sensing assembly is mounted relative to the scanning assembly and is positioned for sensing the surface topography of the sample. The scanning assembly includes a bore extending vertically through the scanning assembly which allows direct overhead viewing of the sensing assembly and the sample. The scanning assembly is pivotally mounted by a hollow pivot assembly which permits both the sensing assembly and the sample to be viewed through the scanning assembly when aligning the sensing assembly with the sample. The hollow pivot assembly also allows a user to optically view the sample from directly overhead with an optical microscope or charge coupled device.