Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for RNA isolation from biological samples containing white blood cells, such as whole blood. The devices have a device body that includes a first chamber having a first membrane that selectively binds white blood cells, a second chamber having a second membrane that reversibly binds RNA and a plurality of ports that are removably attached to a reagent pack and waste receptacle via a valving system controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention generally relates to use of tissue enriched miRNAs as biomarker to estimate tissue damage in a fluid sample. In a second aspect, methods are provided for monitoring a subject who is exposed or might have been exposed to an agent that has a risk of causing tissue injury. In a third aspect, methods are provided for identifying an agent as having a risk of causing tissue injury to a vertebrate subject. In a fourth aspect, kits are provided for practicing the methods of above-listed aspects. The contents of this ABSTRACT are not intended to in anyway limit the scope of the inventions claimed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for RNA isolation from biological samples containing white blood cells, such as whole blood. The devices have a device body that includes a first chamber having a first membrane that selectively binds white blood cells, a second chamber having a second membrane that reversibly binds RNA and a plurality of ports that are removably attached to a reagent pack and waste receptacle via a valving system controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: Patterned surfaces for the selective adhesion and outgrowth of cells are useful in cell culture devices, prosthetic implants, and cell-based microsensors. Such surfaces may be prepared by a deep ultraviolet photolithographic technique.

Abstract: A feedback operated DC bridge circuit for monitoring the voltage variations in a voltage divider circuit using a voltage controlled resistance component to reach a null balance across the bridge. Amplification is provided at higher accuracy near the null point when the voltage difference across the bridge is zero. The feedback bridge circuit includes an integrator which directly drives the controlling component to the value of the resistance in an unknown branch to force the null condition. The voltage controlled component (configured as a discrete metal oxide semiconductor device or bipolar junction transistor) and the balancing scheme are suitable for microfabrication and provides noise-rejection enhancement. The interconnected integral feedback of the autonulling DC bridge enables both a neural network for pre-processing sensor input in a spatial domain as well as general analog computation that mimics a first order differential equation in the form of the system state equation.

Abstract: Patterned surfaces for the selective adhesion and outgrowth of cells are useful in cell culture devices, prosthetic implants, and cell-based microsensors. Such surfaces may be prepared by a deep ultraviolet photolithographic technique.

Abstract: Devices in which a Langmuir-Blodgett film of a liquid crystal polymer is disposed between electrodes on the surface of a substrate exhibit fast ferroelectric switching in response to an electric field generated by the electrodes, and Langmuir-Blodgett films of a liquid crystal polymer exhibit pyroelectric properties even at thicknesses below 10-15 .mu.m.

Abstract: A self-contained autonulling bridge circuit based on phase-sensitive deteon of an impedance to be measured is described. The system utilizes a feedback structure to control a variable impedance in order to establish the null of the bridge. The system utilizes a voltage-variable impedance having both resistance and capacitance and provides the phase sensitive relationship in the control means in order to provide highly accurate measurement of an unknown test impedance. The ability to measure small changes in impedance provides particularly useful application to the area of biological sensor impedance measurement or electrochemical impedance measurement using silicon-based devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a semiconductor substrate having a porous surface nd to the amperometric receptor-based sensors formed with the substrate. More specifically, this invention pertains to the substrate in the form of a bipolar junction transistor having a porous hydrophilic surface directly on its base wherein the surface forms a support for an amperometric sensor. The invention also pertains to the methods of making and using the substrate and sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a semiconductor substrate having a porous surface nd to the amperometric receptor-based sensors formed with the substrate. More specifically, this invention pertains to the substrate in the form of a bipolar junction transistor having a porous hydrophilic surface directly on its base wherein the surface forms a support for an amperometric sensor. The invention also pertains to the methods of making and using the substrate and sensor.