Abstract: An atomic object confinement apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes and one or more quasi-direct-current (quasi-DC) circuits. The plurality of electrodes comprise a plurality of radio frequency (RF) rail electrodes arranged to define, at least in part, a periodic array of confinement segments. The plurality of RF rail electrodes are configured such that, when an oscillating voltage signal is applied thereto, the plurality of RF rail electrodes generate a pseudopotential in a form of an array of trapping regions configured to contain at least one atomic object within a respective trapping region of the array of trapping regions. The one or more quasi-direct-current (quasi-DC) circuits are arranged to generate a magnetic field having a selectable magnitude and a selectable direction, such that the generated magnetic field acts on at least one atomic object within the array of trapping regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms such as Cronobacter spp. in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Cronobacter-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Cronobacter spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: A tampon insertion device for inserting a tampon from a tampon applicator into a vaginal canal. The tampon insertion device having: a casing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior; an actuator located in the interior of the casing, the actuator adapted for movement within the interior of the casing; and a handle having a passageway extending through a portion thereof, wherein the passageway is sized and configured to receive the casing therethrough, with a portion of the casing positioned within the passageway such that movement of the handle with respect to the casing causes a corresponding movement of the actuator within the casing. A method of inserting a tampon is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Salmonella-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Salmonella spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample, without culturing for enrichment of the microorganism. A modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises a non-native indicator gene in the late gene region. The indicator product is not a fusion protein. The specificity of infectious agents allows a specific microorganism to be targeted, and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Described are compositions, methods, systems, and kits related to related to synthetic phages with a customized host range. Customized host range of the synthetic phage is imparted on the synthetic phage by one or more recombinant tail-spike proteins. For example, a recombinant tail-spike protein may include a combination of the N-terminal region and the C-terminal region is engineered in a laboratory.

Abstract: A centerbody assembly includes a center tube, a forward bulkhead, an aft bulkhead, at least one baffle, and an outer skin. The center tube extends circumferentially about an axial centerline. The center tube extends between and to a first axial tube end and a second axial tube end. The forward bulkhead is mounted to the center tube at the first axial tube end. The aft bulkhead is mounted to the center tube at the second axial tube end. The at least one baffle extends axially from the forward bulkhead to the aft bulkhead. At least the forward bulkhead, the aft bulkhead, or the at least one baffle include one or more thermal beads. The outer skin circumscribes the center tube, the forward bulkhead, the aft bulkhead, and the at least one baffle to form an acoustic cavity radially inside the outer skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the isolation and detection of microbes from a sample. The use of binding agents for isolation of a microbe of interest from a sample are described. In certain embodiments, the methods use ribosome-based and/or bacteriophage-based amplification of the signal in detection of bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, embodiments of the present invention can achieve total amplification of at least 10,000 from a single infected cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Salmonella-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Salmonella spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, kits and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms using a reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage. The specificity of such reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage for binding and infecting particular microorganisms of interest allows targeted and sensitive detection of a microorganism of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, kits and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms using a reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage. The specificity of such reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage for binding and infecting particular microorganisms of interest allows targeted and sensitive detection of a microorganism of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the production of mutant bacteriophages with altered host range. Additionally, disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms such as Listeria spp. in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Listeria-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Listeria spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms such as Listeria spp. in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Listeria-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Listeria spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid diagnosis and treatment of biofilm-related infections in a subject having a medical implant. A reporter cocktail composition is disclosed herein and may be used to detect a microorganism of interest and determine the presence of an infection. A therapeutic cocktail composition is also disclosed herein and may be used to treat a subject diagnosed with a biofilm-related infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and systems for detecting MRSA, for example MRSA nasal colonization. In certain embodiments, the methods use bacteriophage-based amplification of the signal in detection of bacteria and other microorganisms to detect MRSA. The methods for detecting MRSA may include preparing an assay comprising a selective agent and a cocktail comprising at least two different types of recombinant bacteriophages, incubating the sample in the assay, capturing an indicator protein product, and detecting an indicator protein product produced by the recombinant bacteriophage, wherein positive detection of the indicator protein product indicates that MRSA is present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as CBA120, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as E. coli O157:H7, and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for detection of microorganisms in a sample and the utilization of such methods for selecting and monitoring therapies. The specificity of indicator bacteriophage, such as Staphylococcus-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Staphylococcus and the indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, kits and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms using a reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage. The specificity of such reproduction-deficient indicator bacteriophage for binding and infecting particular microorganisms of interest allows targeted and sensitive detection of a microorganism of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as CBA120, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as E. coli O157:H7, and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the production of mutant bacteriophages with altered host range. Additionally, disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms such as Listeria spp. in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Listeria-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Listeria spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.