Abstract: A stacked optical filter arrangement includes a pneumatic liquid crystal layer stacked between a first and second transparent electrode layers, wherein the first transparent electrode layer includes electrode segments that are isolated from each other; first and second polarizer layers, wherein the pneumatic liquid crystal layer is stacked between the first polarizer layer and the second polarizer layer; a filter layer including filter segments, wherein at least two of the filter segments are wavelength sensitive filter segments, wherein at least two of the wavelength sensitive filter segments are transparent for different wavelengths; and optical channels, wherein each optical channel includes a portion of the pneumatic liquid crystal layer, a portion of the first electrode layer, one of the plurality of electrode segments of the second transparent electrode layer, a portion of the first polarizer layer, a portion of the second polarizer layer, and one of the plurality of filter segments.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for liquid sample introduction into a chromatography system. The system includes a syringe, a first valve in fluid communication with the syringe, a second valve in fluid communication with the sample, a vessel located between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second valves, a third valve in fluid communication with the first valve, the second valve and a chromatography column, and a pump in fluid communication with the third valve and a mobile phase. When the valves are in a first position the syringe draws the sample into the vessel. The mobile phase flows to the chromatography column. When the valves are in a second position, a portion of the mobile phase flows into the vessel, mixing with and pressurizing the sample. When the valves are in a third position, the mixed and pressurized sample flows to the chromatography column.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for liquid sample introduction into a chromatography system. The system includes a metering device for drawing up the liquid sample, a first multi-port valve in fluid communication with a first end of the metering device and the liquid sample, a second multi-port valve in fluid communication with a second end of the metering device and a chromatography column, and a pump in fluid communication with the second multi-port valve and a mobile phase. When the valves are in a first position the metering device draws up the liquid sample filling a portion of the metering device. When the valves are in a second position, a remaining portion of the metering device is filled with the mobile phase thereby mixing with and pressurizing the liquid sample. When the valves are in a third position, the mixed and pressurized sample flows to the chromatography column.

Abstract: An online HPLC dissolution test system includes a dissolution tester and a liquid chromatograph. An autosampler of the liquid chromatograph includes at least one flow vial, a sampling needle and an injection port. The flow vial is connected to the dissolution tester via a pipe and is for storing a sample solution supplied from the dissolution tester therein. The sampling needle is for collecting the sample solution by sucking from the flow vial. The injection port is for injecting the sample solution from the sampling needle into the analysis channel. The controller of the liquid chromatograph includes an immediate analyzing execution part configured to cause the autosampler to execute immediate analyzing operation for sucking the sample solution in the flow vial with the sampling needle and directly injecting the sample solution into the injection port when the sample solution is supplied from the dissolution tester to the flow vial.

Abstract: A clamp for chromatography columns has a first seal with a first opening a movable seal with a second opening and a movable coupler. The movable coupler has first and second coupler seals with communicating third and fourth openings. The clamp is arranged for pressing a first chromatography column between the first seal and the first coupler seal and for pressing a second chromatography column between the movable seal and the second coupler seal, such that the first opening fluidly communicates with the second opening through the first chromatography column, the third and fourth openings and the second chromatography column.

Abstract: A metal contamination detection system, forming part of a cyanide detection system, comprising a solid buffer, the buffer being adapted to provide a pH of from 9-10. The system is especially useful when used in conjunction with a corrinoid cyanide detection system, and it allows for the quick and accurate assessment of impurities that could lead to a false cyanide result, and therefore the need to remove these for an accurate result or a better metals recovery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for assessing hot coal fallout propensity of burning cigarettes based on human behavior features of ash-flicking action. The method is characterized in that the method is accomplished through an apparatus for detecting hot coal fallout propensity based on human behavior features of ash-flicking action, which include behavior features of human action of flicking cigarette ash, features of holding a cigarette, and features of force applying process and other aspects. This method can provide objective and accurate test basis for evaluation of cigarette fallout performance.

Abstract: A system includes an array of chemical, pressure, and temperature sensors, and a temporal airflow modulator configured to provide sniffed vapors in a temporally-modulated sequence through a plurality of different air paths across multiple sensor locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous method for the online evaluation of the toxicity of aqueous solutions by analysis of the locomotor behaviour of small-sized aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates (0.1 cm-5 cm) maintained in the lethargic state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel analysis device and method for obtaining the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and isotopic carbon and oxygen concentration thereof, continuously from a liquid sample.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems, and compositions of matter for studying solvent accessibility and three-dimensional structure of biological molecules. A plasma can be used to generate marker radicals, which can interact with a biological molecule and mark the solvent-accessible portions of the biological molecule.

Abstract: The present invention related to a compound for use in prevention or treatment of a neurodegenerative disease associated with the formation of stress granules. The compound is selected from lipoic acid, lipoamide, dihydrolipoic acid, and dihydrolipoamide. The invention further relates to a method of identifying a compound that modulates a characteristic associated with one or more condensates comprising a condensate-associated molecule, comprising: (a) contacting the compound with a cellular composition comprising one or more condensates or a cellular composition capable of forming one or more condensates, and (b) determining the characteristic associated with the one or more condensates. A modulation in the characteristic, as compared to a reference, indicates that the compound modulates the characteristic associated with the one or more condensates.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying immunosuppressive TR1 regulatory T cells, including in methods of diagnosing the presence of immune tolerance, methods of producing immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, and methods of eliciting immune tolerance in a subject. These methods include screening T cells to detect Eomes+IL-10+ T cells or expressing recombinant Eomes in T cell populations to generate immunosuppressive regulatory T cells.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that mRNA encoding various checkpoint proteins such as PD-1 must interact with dynamic microtubules to allow surface expression of these proteins. Any inhibitor of this interaction is therefore a putative immune checkpoint inhibitor that could be suitable for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. Accordingly, the present invention relates to using microtubule-targeting drugs as immune checkpoint inhibitor, and a method of screening an immune checkpoint inhibitor comprising a) determining the ability of a test compound to inhibit the interaction of an mRNA sequence encoding for an immune checkpoint protein to a polymerized-tubulin moiety and b) positively selecting the test compound that inhibits said binding.

Abstract: The anatomical model of a nasal cavity, such as a human nasal cavity, for in-vitro inhalation studies such as toxicological screening, intranasal drug delivery studies, and neurophysiological studies. The model includes a model body including separable upper and lower model portions together defining the nasal cavity and including fluidic channels therein that define an olfactory region of the upper model portion, and a nasal passage defined in the lower model portion. A biocompatible porous membrane is positioned between the upper and lower model portions, and the biocompatible membrane is configured for culturing olfactory epithelium cells thereon. An artificial mucous layer coats a surface of the nasal cavity and is configured to collect particles passing through the nasal cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a kit and methods for using the same. The kit includes a plate including at least one well, wherein the well includes a silver nitrate and a catalyst. The method includes providing a sample of synovial fluid to a well of a plate, wherein the well includes a silver nitrate and a catalyst and determining a presence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, wherein the presence of MSU crystals indicates that gout is detected in the sample.

Abstract: Seroprotection analysis systems, kits, and techniques are described for testing oral fluid for the presence of protective levels of antibodies of interest. In one aspect, the presence of protective levels of target antibodies indicates a test subject has achieved a target seroprotection level, such as but not limited to a target seroprotection level following vaccination. A collection kit can include a swab that enables collection of oral fluid containing antibodies from both dentulous and edentulous individuals, a container that can be pre-filled with an extraction solution, and a nozzle that can be coupled to the container to form a fluid-tight device. A user can use the nozzle to seal the swab in the container and to compress the swab within the container.

Abstract: To provide a novel technique with which the generation of aggregates over time in a dispersion liquid can be suppressed and a target substance can be detected with high sensitivity even if latex particles that have been stored are used. A method for storing in a container a latex particle dispersion liquid in which latex particles for an extracorporeal diagnostic agent are dispersed, the latex particles having a volume average particle size of 10 to 1000 nm and including a polymer containing 70 to 100% by mass of monomer units each derived from a monomer having an aryl group relative to the total monomer units, which is characterized in that the particle dispersion liquid is stored in the container by setting a ratio of a volume of a void space obtained by excluding a volume occupied by the particle dispersion liquid from an internal volume of the container to 0 to 25% (v/v) relative to the internal volume of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for capturing target cells or molecules in solution, comprising steps of: (I) getting medium containing said target cells or molecules into an apparatus comprising a capturing device for capturing said target cells or molecules; (II) getting said medium flow through said capturing device; (III) removing unbound debris, cells and molecules; (IV) getting said target cells or molecules detached from the capturing device; and (V) collecting said target cells or molecules; wherein said capturing device comprises at least one functionalized mesh comprising a mesh substrate and a functional layer formed on said mesh substrate, wherein said functional layer comprises capturing substances that can specifically bind with said target cells or molecules. The method has high specificity, as well as high throughput, and is suitable for capturing cells or molecules in a solution or expressed at the surface of cell membranes. It is particularly suited to capture and sort circulating tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides an analyte detection device comprising a plurality of composite metallic nanostructures conjugated to analyte binding partners and a surface containing a metallic nanolayer on which a plurality of capture molecules is immobilized. Methods of preparing composite nanostructures are also described.

Abstract: In various embodiments single-step ATPS paper-based diagnostic assays are provided that exploit the concept of sequential resolubilization of ATPS components to give rise to the desired phase separation behavior within paper. In one illustrative embodiment, a wick is provided for concentrating an analyte within an aqueous two-phase extraction system in a paper, where the wick comprises a paper configured to receive a sample where the paper comprises a first region containing a first component of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) where the first component is in a dry form, and a second region containing a second component of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) where the second component is in a dry form; and where said first region and the second region are disposed so that when said wick is contacted with a fluid sample, the first component of said ATPS is hydrated before the second component. In certain embodiments the first and second component are disposed so they are hydrated substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) for prostate cancer. Moreover, the invention provides a method of identifying a TAA as a marker for prostate cancer vaccination response. Particularly, a method of identifying and treating a prostate cancer patient with PROSTVAC therapy or for vaccination with a prostate antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in a subject. In some embodiments, the method involves assaying a sample from the subject to detect inflammasome activation, wherein an increase in inflammasome activation in the sample compared to a control is an indication of MDS in the subject. The disclosed methods can further involve treating the subject for MDS if an increase in inflammasome activation is detected.

Abstract: There are provided methods, and devices for assaying for a binding interaction between a protein, such as a monoclonal antibody, produced by a cell, and a biomolecule. The method may include retaining the cell within a chamber having an aperture; exposing the protein produced by the cell to a capture substrate, wherein the capture substrate is in fluid communication with the protein produced by the cell and wherein the capture substrate is operable to bind the protein produced by the cell; flowing a fluid volume comprising the biomolecule through the chamber via said aperture, wherein the fluid volume is in fluid communication with the capture substrate; and determining a binding interaction between the protein produced by the cell and the biomolecule.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to new compositions of matter that comprise phosphorescent reporters. In some embodiments, the phosphorescent reporters of the present disclosure comprise strontium aluminate. In some embodiments, the strontium aluminate is doped with europium and dysprosium (SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+). Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the aforementioned phosphorescent reporters. In some embodiments, the method includes size reduction of inorganic phosphorescent powders through a combination of wet milling and settling. In additional embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of detecting the phosphorescent reporters in various settings, such as diagnostic settings.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing cancer by obtaining secretome from a cell culture from peripheral blood. A non-hematological cell component present in peripheral blood is allowed to expand in the cell culture and a measurement of channel current I(t) at a measurement point is performed in a channel of conductive polymer located between first and second electrodes, the channel being arranged to act as a conducting channel of a transistor and being connected to a gate electrode of the transistor through the secretome. A modulation m, given by final intensity Ids of channel current normalized with respect to initial intensity Ids0, and a time constant ? given by the time it takes for the channel current I(t) to reach a predetermined percentage of the final intensity Ids are obtained. The m and ? values are indicative of protonation state of the secretome and, on the basis of the values, the secretome is classified as being from a healthy individual, an individual having cancer, or an individual at risk for cancer.

Abstract: The biological information measurement system of the present invention includes a test subject-side device provided in a toilet installation room, and a server communicable with the test subject-side device, the test subject-side device includes a sulfur-containing gas sensor sensitive to sulfur-containing gas and outputting detection data, a transmitter-receiver transmitting measurement data including detection data of the sulfur-containing gas detected by the sulfur-containing gas sensor to the server, and the server includes a database in which measurement data including detection data of sulfur-containing gas detected by the sulfur-containing gas sensor is accumulated and recorded with dates and times of defecation acts by being associated with test subject identification information, and server-side data analyzer that analyzes physical condition of a test subject on the basis of a time-dependent variation tendency of the measurement data accumulated and recorded in the database.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, e.g., computer-implemented methods or automated methods, of evaluating a cancer sample, e.g., a prostate tumor sample, from a patient. Also provided are biomarker panels for prognosticating prostate cancer. Also provided are methods of treating prostate cancer by identifying aggressive prostate cancer or prostate cancer that may have lethal outcome.

Abstract: Provided are a method, an apparatus, and a kit for detecting a neuroblastoma in a subject and/or for monitoring a therapeutic effect on the neuroblastoma, by measuring a urinary tumor marker(s) in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing cancer are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method of diagnosing cancer in a subject, the method comprising determining a level of urea and/or a pyrimidine synthesis metabolite in a biological sample of the subject, wherein a level of urea below a predetermined threshold; and/or a said level of pyrimidine synthesis metabolite above a predetermined threshold; is indicative of cancer. Also provided are methods of prognosing and treating cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for quantifying polyphosphates. In particular, provided herein are solution and substrate based assays for quantifying polyphosphates in complex samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting remnant cancer cells in a tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for determining the absolute configuration of D/L-cysteine and/or the enantiomeric composition of cysteine and/or the concentration of total cysteine in a sample. Uses of the composition and method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificially synthesized modified mono-methylated lysines and modified mono-methylated lysine derivatized polypeptides. The present invention also relates to production of a completely new antibody by using this modified mono-methylated lysine and modified mono-methylated lysine derivatized polypeptide as an antigen, this antibody can be used in recognizing and enriching the modified polypeptide after the lysine mono-methylated polypeptide being derivatized in vitro. By using this antibody, it is capable of detecting whether a mono-methylation modification is present in amino acids on the polypeptide sequence, the present invention also relates to a preparation method of said antibody.

Abstract: Immobilising isolated mycolic acid antigens of tuberculous mycobacterial origin or a synthetic analogue thereof on a screen-printed electrode by binding of the antigens to a self-assembled monolayer comprising a thiolated hydrophobic substance to produce immobilized mycolic acids antigens in the form of a mycolic acid antigen-containing self-assembled monolayer coating on a surface of the electrode

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a disease, disorder or pathological condition associated with cellular senescence in a patient comprises obtaining a sample from the patient; measuring the number of cells that exhibit cell-surface AGEs in the sample; and diagnosing the patient with a disease, disorder or pathological condition associated with cellular senescence when the number of cells that exhibit cell-surface AGEs in the sample is greater than the number of cells that exhibit cell-surface AGEs in a control.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, long-term dialysis. For example, prediction of long-term dialysis treatment can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of approximately fourteen Days measuring hyaluronic acid, death receptor 5, and/or transforming growth factor ?1 can be used to establish the risk of recovery versus non-recovery in patient's having suffered an acute kidney injury.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a marker useful for early diagnosis and differentiation of Alzheimer's disease, and use thereof. An Alzheimer's disease biomarker composed of blood flotillin is provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a gene chip comprising a substrate and at least one positioning device fixed on an upper surface of the substrate, wherein the at least one positioning device is provided with a receiving cavity for receiving a bead, the receiving cavity being arranged on a surface of the at least one positioning device facing away from the substrate, and a cross-sectional area of the receiving cavity is gradually decreased in a direction toward the upper surface of the substrate. This disclosure further provides a gene detection device comprising the gene chip.

Abstract: To analyze the concentration of an analyte in a sample, the size distribution of a plurality of reaction fields generated by splitting a liquid containing the sample is divided into a plurality of classes. A class used for concentration determination is set based on the number or proportion of the positive reaction fields or the number or proportion of the negative reaction fields in each class. The concentration of the analyte is determined based on data for the set class.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capping system used for samples before occurrence of biological thermal reaction, which comprises plurality of reaction tubes, a plurality of suckers, and a plurality of pushing rod. Each of the plurality of reaction tubes comprises an opening end. The plurality of suckers is used to suck a plurality of caps and move the plurality of caps to the opening end of the plurality of reaction tube. The plurality of pushing rob is used to push the plurality of caps into the opening end of the plurality of reaction tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method, a system, and a computer program product of indicating a status of an analytical instrument on a screen of the analytical instrument. In an embodiment, the method, the system, and the computer program product include receiving data from an analytical instrument monitoring a liquid sample, segmenting the received data into data segments for at least two characteristics of at least one of the instrument, the sample, and an operating environment of the instrument, analyzing each of the data segments for the at least two characteristics, retrieving threshold values for the at least two characteristics from a computer data source, calculating at least one status of at least one of the instrument, the sample, and the operating environment, with respect to the analyzed data segments and the threshold values, and displaying the at least one status on a display of the instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory instrument comprising a network interface apparatus (6), which is configured to provide, in the inserted position of the insertable instrument, a data connection between at least two network instruments of a laboratory instrument network (100), which network instruments are taken from the group of network instruments including at least a first control apparatus (4) of the laboratory instrument and the at least one insertable instrument (20; 30). The invention further relates to a laboratory instrument network including the laboratory instrument and a method for working on laboratory samples using the laboratory instrument network.

Abstract: A receptacle terminal having a housing, and a first transporting unit which is configured to transport at least a first receptacle rack, which is arranged on a movable platform, within the housing from a first position to a second position, and wherein the first receptacle rack is at the second position within the housing and manually accessible by a user through a first opening in the housing.

Abstract: A transport device unit for a transport device assembled using a plurality of transport device units is presented. The transport device unit comprises a base plate module with a base plate for fixing the transport device unit to a support frame, an actuator module with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators, where the actuator module is supported by the base plate module, and a driving surface module with a driving surface element, where the driving surface element is arranged above the actuator module covering the actuators and configured to carry sample container carriers. A transport device, a system for at least partially disassembling the transport device, and a laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport device are also presented. In addition, a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: A method of controlling a needle actuator to interact with a cell is provided, the method comprising: providing an actuator comprising a tower, a stage and a needle, wherein the needle is mounted on the stage; applying an electrostatic potential between the tower and the stage to retract the needle; moving the actuator towards the cell; reducing the potential so as to allow the stage and needle to move towards the cell; applying calibration data to detect when the needle has pierced the cell; and reducing the potential further once it has been detected that the needle has pierced the cell. The cell can be a biological cell. The needle can be a micro-needle and the stage can be a micro-stage.

Abstract: Arrays of droplet-on-demand dispensers are controlled by a row-column addressing scheme that can reduce the number of on-chip address lines, thereby making it feasible to construct large dispenser arrays. Decoders are used to further reduce the number of control lines that select a specific address line. A microfluidic logic controller includes row-select lines, each coupled to dispensers disposed on the same row, and column-select lines, each coupled to dispensers disposed on the same column such that each dispenser is associated with a unique row-column address. A logic circuit can actuate a dispenser only if the logic circuit receives signals from both of the row-select line and the column-select line corresponding to the row-column address of the selected dispenser. Reagents can be dispensed from the dispenser array, thereby allowing for rapid formatting of a reagent library into microfluidic droplets.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for detection and controlled interaction with one or more objects. The system can include an imaging subsystem (20), a tool subsystem (26) containing one or more tools, a stage subsystem (16) and a control system (40). The control system (40) can integrate controls for each of the other subsystems, which controls can be implement desired functions over a variety of process parameters to perform the controlled interaction.

Abstract: A method adapts a resonant frequency of a first filter of a closed control loop to a given frequency. The method includes feeding an output signal of a delta sigma modulator of the closed control loop into a frequency adaptation circuit and determining a first noise spectrum of the output signal in a first frequency band and a second noise spectrum of the output signal in a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are arranged symmetrically with respect to the given frequency. The method includes comparing the first noise spectrum with the second noise spectrum, generating an adaptation signal that causes a frequency adaptation of the resonant frequency if the first noise spectrum differs from the second noise spectrum, and outputting the adaptation signal from the frequency adaptation circuit to a control input of the first filter for adapting the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a speed of a belt moving along a transport axis in conveyor oven tunnel. The method includes providing a sensor module, capturing signals, processing the signals, and outputting least one speed estimate. The sensor module is disposed upon the moving belt. The sensor module includes a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor. The optical sensors are spaced apart by a distance D along the transport axis. Capturing signals includes capturing first and second signals from the first and second sensors respectively as they are transported along the belt and within the oven tunnel. Processing the signals includes determining a delay ?T between the signals. The speed estimate is based upon D divided by ?T.