Abstract: A diagnostic test kit is provided. In one aspect, the diagnostic test kit includes a diagnostic test including a test region for indicating a test result. The diagnostic test kit also includes a scan surface including one or more control markings. The one or more control markings are representative of one or more predetermined test results for the diagnostic test. The diagnostic test can include a lateral flow immunoassay test, and the one or more control markings can include one or more lines. The one or more lines can vary in at least one of thickness, color, hue, and reflectivity.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a diagnostic test may include receiving an image depicting a diagnostic test, wherein the diagnostic test comprises a test region indicating a test result, validating quality of the image, locating a test region image portion of the image depicting the test region of the diagnostic test; and predicting the test result based on the test region image portion. Furthermore, a method for facilitating analysis of a diagnostic test may include receiving one or more images depicting one or more control markings on a scan surface, wherein the one or more control markings are representative of one or more predetermined test results for the diagnostic test, and verifying detection of the one or more control markings in the one or more images using at least one computer vision technique.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample includes introducing the sample into a vessel including a cation-exchange resin, where the cation-exchange resin has a high affinity to one or more interferent species in the sample, directing the sample through the cation-exchange resin to thereby capture one or more interference species in the cation-exchange resin to purify the sample, and releasing the purified sample from the vessel. Additionally, a method for analyzing a sample includes receiving an image depicting a diagnostic test region and a color reference chart, converting a test region image portion of the image to an analytical color space, determining first and second coordinate values characterizing the test region image portion in the analytical color space, and providing a quantitative measurement of an analyte of interest in the sample based on the first and/or second coordinate values and a predictive formula based on the color reference chart.

Abstract: A biomedical measuring device, such as a test strip, has a simple structure, by which analyte can be measured easily using a small amount of specimen. In embodiments, the test strip generally includes a plastic first film layer having structure defining an aperture for retaining the reacting components, a porous membrane coupled to an inner-facing surface of the first film layer and configured to reduce background signal, an absorbent pad coupled to the porous membrane and first film layer to sandwich the porous membrane therebetween, the absorbent pad being configured for rapid absorption, and a plastic second film layer coupled to the absorbent pad, the second film layer being configured to provide a barrier to prevent liquid from leaking out of the test strip during use. The test strip can be easily used with an optical sensing device coupled to or containing an analyzer device (or reader device) for quickly detecting and measuring the analyte concentration.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: Color-based reaction testing of biological materials may be performed by capturing, in an uncalibrated environment, a digital image of an exposed test strip, together with an adjacently-located reference color chart or on-strip color chart. The image data specifically representing the individual test pads on the test strip, as well as the reference color blocks on the reference chart, are then located within the captured image, and compared to identify any color matches between the test pads and the corresponding sequences of reference color block. Based on this comparison operation, a set of test results can be generated which effectively identifies which of the reference chart's color blocks most closely matches the color of the corresponding dipstick's test pads. The generated test results may then be provided to the user in a printed or displayed form. Alternatively, the test results may simply be stored for later retrieval.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.

Abstract: Color-based reaction testing of biological materials may be performed by capturing, in an uncalibrated environment, a digital image of an exposed test strip, together with an adjacently-located reference color chart or on-strip color chart. The image data specifically representing the individual test pads on the test strip, as well as the reference color blocks on the reference chart, are then located within the captured image, and compared to identify any color matches between the test pads and the corresponding sequences of reference color block. Based on this comparison operation, a set of test results can be generated which effectively identifies which of the reference chart's color blocks most closely matches the color of the corresponding dipstick's test pads. The generated test results may then be provided to the user in a printed or displayed form. Alternatively, the test results may simply be stored for later retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention provides for use of poly-D/L-lysine (PLL) to control the growth of neural cells in vitro and in vivo. The invention describes the activity of defined PLL lines on neural cells and the ability to use the compound to control the direction and rate of growth of neurites on solid substrates. High-throughput screening assays are provided as are medical devices and therapies for treatment of neuronal injury or malfunction.

Abstract: A device is provided for balanced high speed submarine gel electrophoresis. In the device, a conductive balancing liquid is introduced over gel matrix to generate heat, a thicken cooler bottom slows down heat absorption, which results in quick temperature elevation to 33° C. The elevated temperature around 33° C. is utilized to accelerate gel speed and to minimize vertical temperature gradient of the gel matrix.

Abstract: An improvement in submarine gel electrophoresis apparatus is provided for performing electrophoresis at elevated voltages. A compartmental device is introduced into a conventional submarine gel apparatus to compartmentalize a buffer so that the buffer functions as a potent coolant but without generating massive heat during electrophoresis, which enables the submarine gel electrophoresis to be performed at higher voltages.

Abstract: A device and method for vertical slab gel casting and electrophoresis in a single enclosure is provided. Air is utilized as a sealing medium to seal the bottom of a gel space for gel casting by constructing an air-tight connection between a sealable lower buffer chamber and a gel space via a junction. The air is automatically released when a buffer is introduce into the lower buffer chamber so that the bottom of the gel is in direct contact with the buffer without manually removing a solid sealing device from the bottom of the gel, which enables the gel to be directly used for electrophoresis without any movement of the gel space.

Abstract: A novel device and method for biomolecule purification is provided as a handy tool for routine applications when both a high resolution and an easy manipulation are required. A sample is applied into a device and the different biomolecules are separated from each other and stored in segregated liquid fractions in the device automatically after 1 hour electrophoresis. These purified biomolecules in liquid fractions are then easily released from the device in 4 minutes.

Abstract: A device and method of direct water cooling for horizontal submarine gel electrophoresis is provided. A cooling water is utilized to replace a buffer for immersing a gel matrix during electrophoresis. The replacement offers an excellent heat absorption and a substantial reduction of electric current simultaneously, which enables the horizontal submarine gel electrophoresis to be performed at elevated voltages.