Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of quantifying a concentration cs of an analyte in a sample, and in particular, to a method of quantifying a concentration cs of a target nucleic acid in a sample based on the principle of random distribution of analytes/targets provided in a sample with a known volume across a defined number of multiple pre-made reaction compartments The present invention also relates to an aqueous suspension of a pre-defined number NB of hydrogel microspheres for use in a method of quantifying a concentration cs of an analyte, in particular of a target nucleic acid, in a sample. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a macroparticle for use in such method. Finally, the present invention also relates to a method of generating an aqueous suspension of a pre-defined number NB of hydrogel microspheres.

Abstract: A ball retriever assembly for retrieving and storing balls includes a hopper body defining a hollow storage space therein and at least one attachment configured for removable coupling to the hopper body. Each of the attachments includes a retrieval structure configured for unidirectional passage of one of the balls through the corresponding one of the attachments. A lid is configured for removable coupling to the hopper body as well as each of the attachments. The lid is adjustable between a ball retrieval configuration wherein the lid encloses an end of the hollow storage space and a ball removal configuration wherein the lid forms a stand for maintaining an upright and open configuration of the hopper body. The different attachments configured for removable coupling to the hopper body allow for the unidirectional passage of different ranges of outer ball diameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsule for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a sample. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of detecting and/quantitating an analyte in a sample using said microcapsule. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of preparing microcapsules for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor body for binding and/or enriching an analyte. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of binding an analyte to a sensor body. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of enriching and/or washing an analyte bound to a sensor body and to a method of detecting an analyte in a sample. Moreover, the present invention relates to a device for binding and/or enriching and/or detecting an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for arranging microspheres in a non-aqueous, water-immiscible liquid phase in an incubation chamber and for excluding such microspheres from contact with or exposure to a gas phase. It also relates to a method for incubating microspheres, as well as to a method for detecting and optically probing microspheres. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a multi-well plate configured to be used in a such method(s). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for arranging microspheres in a non-aqueous, water-immiscible liquid phase in an incubation chamber and for excluding such microspheres from contact with or exposure to a gas phase. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a device for incubating microspheres, as well as to a device for detecting and optically probing microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample cartridge for incubating and/or analyzing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets and/or for performing biochemical reactions with or in such dispersion. The present invention furthermore relates to a device for incubating a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets and/or for performing a biochemical reaction therewith. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of a sample cartridge or of a device for generating and/or processing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of processing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of generating a dispersion of droplets and to a method of generating a dispersion of solid or semi-solid particles.

Abstract: A device comprising a rigid substrate, a flexible cover element at least partially covering the substrate, a first structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and adapted for releasing contents of one or more cells, spores, or viruses, the contents including the target molecules, a second structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and comprising at least one binding member adapted for capturing the target molecules and for determining a value indicative for the presence and/or amount of the target molecules, a microfluidic network interconnecting at least the first structure and the second structure, and an actuator member adapted for effecting a fluid flow between the first structure and the second structure by pressing the flexible cover element against the substrate to selectively close a portion of the microfluidic network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated microparticle for performing detection, preferably a digital detection and/or quantitation of an analyte. Furthermore, it also relates to a detection and/or quantitation of multiple analytes by prefabricated microparticles. It also relates to a collection of such prefabricated microparticles and to the use of such microparticle(s) and/or of such collection. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of performing a detection and/or quantitation of an analyte in a sample wherein a microparticle or collection of microparticles are used. In one embodiment, in the collection of microparticles, individual microparticles are tailored for the detection of specific analytes and can be distinguished from each other by a specific label indicating the respective analyte for which the individual microparticle is specific.

Abstract: The present invention provides a basal cell culture medium and a feed medium with novel amino acid ratios and/or iron choline citrate as iron carrier that result in improved performance of mammalian cell culture processes, such as CHO cultivation and protein production processes, in particular in increased product titer (e.g. of monoclonal antibodies). Also provided are methods for culturing mammalian cells and producing a protein of interest using said basal cell culture medium and optionally feed medium. The invention also provides for a medium platform that comprises (i) the basal cell culture medium and (ii) the feed medium.

Abstract: A ball retriever assembly for retrieving and storing balls includes a hopper body defining a hollow storage space therein and at least one attachment configured for removable coupling to the hopper body. Each of the attachments includes a retrieval structure configured for unidirectional passage of one of the balls through the corresponding one of the attachments. A lid is configured for removable coupling to the hopper body as well as each of the attachments. The lid is adjustable between a ball retrieval configuration wherein the lid encloses an end of the hollow storage space and a ball removal configuration wherein the lid forms a stand for maintaining an upright and open configuration of the hopper body. The different attachments configured for removable coupling to the hopper body allow for the unidirectional passage of different ranges of outer ball diameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a basal cell culture medium and a feed medium with novel amino acid ratios and/or iron choline citrate as iron carrier that result in improved performance of mammalian cell culture processes, such as CHO cultivation and protein production processes, in particular in increased product titer (e.g. of monoclonal antibodies). Also provided are methods for culturing mammalian cells and producing a protein of interest using said basal cell culture medium and optionally feed medium. The invention also provides for a medium platform that comprises (i) the basal cell culture medium and (ii) the feed medium.

Abstract: Inventory data is stored, wherein the inventory data represents for each of a plurality of broadcast stations a corresponding inventory of audio advertising spots available from that broadcast station to be filled by an advertising placement system. An advertising campaign data representing a set of advertising objectives of an advertising campaign is received. The inventory data is used to iteratively select advertising spots to be associated with the advertising campaign, based at least in part on a respective computed fitness of match between each selected advertising spot and said advertising objectives.

Abstract: A selection of a broadcast media ad network and a set of parameters including one or both of a goal and a constraint associated with an advertising campaign is received. Based at least in part on said selection and said set of parameters an advertising proposal, the advertising proposal is determined including an identification of a set of broadcasters associated with the selected broadcast media ad network and for each a corresponding advertising plan portion of the advertising proposal. Information representing the advertising proposal is caused to be displayed at a node from which said selection and set of parameters were received.

Abstract: A new RFP specification is received for a new broadcast ad campaign. A placement is determined for a new broadcast ad in a suitable position within an ad network inventory based at least in part on the new RFP specification. A transfer of an existing placement for an existing broadcast ad campaign out of the suitable position to a newer position based at least in part on an existing RFP specification is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated microparticle for performing detection, preferably a digital detection and/or quantitation of an analyte. Furthermore, it also relates to a detection and/or quantitation of multiple analytes by prefabricated microparticles. It also relates to a collection of such prefabricated microparticles and to the use of such microparticle(s) and/or of such collection. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of performing a detection and/or quantitation of an analyte in a sample wherein a microparticle or collection of microparticles are used. In one embodiment, in the collection of microparticles, individual microparticles are tailored for the detection of specific analytes and can be distinguished from each other by a specific label indicating the respective analyte for which the individual microparticle is specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated microparticle for performing detection, preferably a digital detection and/or quantitation of an analyte. Furthermore, it also relates to a detection and/or quantitation of multiple analytes by prefabricated microparticles. It also relates to a collection of such prefabricated microparticles and to the use of such microparticle(s) and/or of such collection. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of performing a detection and/or quantitation of an analyte in a sample wherein a microparticle or collection of microparticles are used. In one embodiment, in the collection of microparticles, individual microparticles are tailored for the detection of specific analytes and can be distinguished from each other by a specific label indicating the respective analyte for which the individual microparticle is specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor body for binding and/or enriching and analyte. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of binding an analyte to a sensor body. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of enriching and/or washing an analyte bound to a sensor body and to a method of detecting an analyte in a sample. Moreover, the present invention relates to a device for binding and/or enriching and/or detecting an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of specific interactions between probe and target molecules. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of targets, including: introducing a sample containing targets into a reaction chamber formed between a first surface of the device and a second surface of a device, which is preferably located opposite to the first surface, wherein the distance between the first and the second surface is variable; and detecting the targets.

Abstract: Inventory data is stored, wherein the inventory data represents for each of a plurality of broadcast stations a corresponding inventory of audio advertising spots available from that broadcast station to be filled by an advertising placement system. An advertising campaign data representing a set of advertising objectives of an advertising campaign is received. The inventory data is used to iteratively select advertising spots to be associated with the advertising campaign, based at least in part on a respective computed fitness of match between each selected advertising spot and said advertising objectives.

Abstract: A selection of a broadcast media ad network and a set of parameters including one or both of a goal and a constraint associated with an advertising campaign is received. Based at least in part on said selection and said set of parameters an advertising proposal, the advertising proposal is determined including an identification of a set of broadcasters associated with the selected broadcast media ad network and for each a corresponding advertising plan portion of the advertising proposal. Information representing the advertising proposal is caused to be displayed at a node from which said selection and set of parameters were received.