Abstract: A stylus pen includes a penholder and a pen tip connected to the penholder. The pen tip includes a first pen tip and a second pen tip. A first contact surface and a second contact surface are respectively defined in one end of the first pen tip and the second pen tip, and both are substantially parallel to each other. A cavity is defined in the second pen tip, in which the first pen tip is slidably received. An elastic member is arranged in the cavity to provide an elastic force to the first pen tip to cause the first pen tip to extend out of the cavity. When the pen tip is pressed, the elastic member is compressed to allow the first pen tip to retract into the cavity, allowing the first contact surface and the second contact surface to be flush with each other.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.

Abstract: A direct chemical lysis composition includes an assay compatible buffer composition and an assay compatible surfactant. When combined with a specimen storage composition, such compositions prevent undesired modifications to nucleic acid and proteins lysed from cells in the biological sample. Assays of samples from such compositions do not require expensive and time-consuming steps such as centrifugation and prolonged high temperature processing. The direct chemical lysis composition of the present invention permits direct nucleic acid extraction from the cells in the biological sample without the need to decant off the transport media or otherwise exchange the transport media with assay compatible buffers. There is no need to combine the sample with proteinase K or another enzyme to extract nucleic acids from the cells. A method for lysing cells to obtain target nucleic acid for assay and a kit for combining the direct chemical lysis composition with a sample are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5? adapter sequence for detection of variations in nucleic acid target sequences. The detection system further comprises a reporter probe, the 3? end of which hybridizes to the complement of the 5? adapter sequence of the signal primer to produce a 5? overhang. Polymerase is used to fill in the overhang and synthesize the complement of the 5? overhang of the reporter probe. Synthesis of the reporter probe complement is detected, either directly or indirectly, as an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: An electronic device capable of controlling light-emitting diode (LED) bright is provided. The electronic device includes a signal producing unit for producing an operation signal; a Micro Control Unit (MCU) configured for outputting a normal brightness control signal according to the operation signal, and outputting a ultra brightness control signal according to the operation signal when an actual idle time of the electronic device reaches or exceeds a predetermined idle time; a pulse current control unit for controlling an output current according to the normal brightness control and the ultra brightness control signal; and a LED illuminator array for emitting light based on the output current. The MCU terminates the output of the ultra brightness control signal when an actual time of outputting the ultra brightness control signals reaches a predetermined time, and then the LED illuminator array resumes its normally bright. A control method is also provided.

Abstract: A switching power supply with output ripple suppression includes a rectification circuit, a filtering circuit, a PFC, a transformer, a voltage stabilization circuit and a DC/DC converting circuit with feedback control. The DC/DC converting circuit includes a switching circuit, a PWM generator and a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit receiving feedback signals reflects an actual output voltage of the switching power supply and transmits the feedback signals to the PWM generator. The PWM generator produces PWM waves to control an on-off time ratio of the switching circuit by comparing the feedback signals with a reference signal that reflects a desired output voltage of the switching power supply. The switching circuit in turn controls the actual output voltage of the switching power supply.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for specific amplification and detection of a rnpB gene sequence are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for amplification and detection of organisms of the Chlamydiaceae family in a variety of amplification and detection reactions.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5′ adapter sequence for detection of variations in nucleic acid target sequences. The detection system further comprises a reporter probe, the 3′ end of which hybridizes to the complement of the 5′ adapter sequence of the signal primer to produce a 5′ overhang. Polymerase is used to fill in the overhang and synthesize the complement of the 5′ overhang of the reporter probe. Synthesis of the reporter probe complement is detected, either directly or indirectly, as an indication of the presence of the target.