Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust measuring apparatus and, more particularly, to a miniaturized fine dust measuring apparatus. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a non-sampling fluid is discharged irrespective of a speed change of an external fluid, thereby providing a particle sampling probe and a miniaturized fine dust measurement apparatus that provide uniform-speed sampling. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate a restriction on a place for fine dust measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a corresponding arrangement for sequencing at least two biopolymers (6), wherein for each biopolymer (6) a sequence signal is picked up by a respective measured variable pickup on the basis of the sequence of the biopolymer (6), the sequence signals are transferred to a shift register (16) and buffer-stored therein, the buffer-stored sequence signals are transferred from the shift register (16) sequentially to an evaluation device (26) and evaluated therein. Each sequence signal is preferably produced here by means of a nanopore arrangement (10). A corresponding sequencing arrangement (11) has the measured variable pickups and the shift register (16) integrated in it, preferably in an electrical circuit, that is to say on a sensor array, for example. Each sequence signal can be amplified here by a preamplifier (14) prior to transfer to the shift register (16).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A device for counting particles on a sample surface includes a scanner probe having a first opening for receiving particles from a sample surface and one or more second openings, a particle detector for detecting particles passed there-through, a modulator for modulating air flowing there-through, a pump for producing a first airstream flowing from the first opening and through the particle detector, and for producing a second airstream flowing through the modulator and to the one or more second openings, and control circuitry for controlling the modulator to modulate an amplitude of the second airstream.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of operating a fluid sensing device includes enabling a fluid level sensing circuit on a printhead to determine a fluid level by sharing an applied charge between a capacitive sensor and a reference capacitor to determine a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor. The method includes enabling a fluid property sensing circuit on the printhead to determine a fluid property by measuring a transistor voltage that indicates a concentration of ions gathered on the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: An analytical tool for use in analysis of a sample is provided. The analytical tool includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has an analysis portion where analysis is performed. The second unit, configured to be coupled with the first unit, has a liquid reservoir for confining a particular liquid used for the analysis of the sample. When the first unit and the second unit are coupled, a fluid passage for conducting the particular liquid from the liquid reservoir into the first unit is formed by only a part of the first unit, or only a part of the second unit, or a combination of respective parts of the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting designated reactions that include a fluidic network having a sample channel, a reaction chamber, and a reservoir. The sample channel is in flow communication with a sample port. The system also includes a rotary valve that has a flow channel and is configured to rotate between first and second valve positions. The flow channel fluidically couples the reaction chamber and the sample channel when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and fluidically couples the reservoir and the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position. A pump assembly induces a flow of a biological sample toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and induces a flow of a reaction component from the reservoir toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position.

Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes a changeable reflective structure having a first changeable electrode, a changeable reflecting layer and a second changeable electrode, which are sequentially stacked on an upper substrate opposite a lower substrate. In the display device, the reflectance of the changeable reflecting layer may be adjusted by controlling a voltage applied to the first changeable electrode and the second changeable electrode according to a state of a light-emitting structure which is disposed on an emitting area of the lower substrate. Thus, in the display device, a decrease of the color sense by the reflection of external light in a display state may be prevented, and the reflective area may have sufficient reflectance for serving as a mirror in a non-display state.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization apparatus may include at least one pair of porous electrodes and a spacer structure disposed between the at least one pair of electrodes. The at least one pair of porous electrodes may include an electrode material having a surface area for the electrostatic adsorption of feed ions. The spacer structure may include an electrically-insulating material with an ion exchange group on the surface thereof. The spacer structure provides a path for flowing a fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A novel fluid filtration system that exhibits antifouling properties against a variety of potential foulants includes at least one filtration membrane placed in a cross-flow filtration module. The module is subjected to microwave irradiation at a certain power or intensity over a controlled time interval. At least one microwave generator produces microwaves and may be fixed or movable to treat the fluid. Dislodged foulants are removed by the microwave electromagnetic energy from the filtration membrane and carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to a feed solution container. The filtration system may use different filtration configurations such as, but not limited to, flat sheet, hollow fiber, spiral wound and tubular membranes. The filtration membrane materials may be polymeric, ceramic, and combinations. The functionalized membranes can be such as, but not limited to, membranes coated or blended or cross-linked with materials displaying strong microwave absorption; and combinations.

Abstract: An analytical tool for use in analysis of a sample is provided. The analytical tool includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has an analysis portion where analysis is performed. The second unit, configured to be coupled with the first unit, has a liquid reservoir for confining a particular liquid used for the analysis of the sample. When the first unit and the second unit are coupled, a fluid passage for conducting the particular liquid from the liquid reservoir into the first unit is formed by only a part of the first unit, or only a part of the second unit, or a combination of respective parts of the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A flow cell incorporates a first substrate with a metal layer on one surface. A tape layer having flow channels is adhered to the first substrate. A second substrate having a second metal layer on one surface is adhered to the tape layer opposite the first substrate. At least one of the first and second metal layers includes mating cutouts to at least partially expose the flow channels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a nanochannel and a contained substance, wherein the nanochannel comprises a single-file nanochannel and the contained substance comprises a plurality of substance particles arranged in a single-file chain within the nanochannel. Methods and systems for molecular transport of a substance through a nanochannel are also provided that rely upon the use of nanojumps, where nanojumps mediate the transport through the nanochannel.

Abstract: Substrate for a microfluidic device, including at least one microfluidic structure having at least one access port at an upper surface of the substrate, a raised support structure positioned on the upper surface adjacent to each access port and surrounding the access port, the raised support structure partially covering the substrate upper surface, the first raised support structure having an upper surface for receiving an adhesive for mounting a microfluidic component having at least one access port corresponding to the at least one access port of the substrate. A microfluidic device, including a substrate, a microfluidic component having at least one access port at a lower surface corresponding to the at least one access port of the substrate. The microfluidic component is mounted on the top of the substrate with an adhesive applied between the upper surface of the at least one first and/or second raised support structure and the lower surface of the microfluidic component.

Abstract: Described here is a device comprising a microfluidic chip and an acoustic transducer external to the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip comprises a channel in communication with a microwell having a volume less than one microliter, and wherein the acoustic transducer is coupled to the microfluidic chip via a coupling medium.

Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.

Abstract: In an apparatus for analyzing small number of samples, wasteful consumption of a polymer as a separation Medium is suppressed. The apparatus has a configuration provided with a plurality of capillary units each of which can be attached/detached to/from the apparatus, and performs analysis for capillaries after sealing of a polymer by attaching the capillaries by the number in accordance with the number of samples. Since analysis can be performed by using capillaries by the number identical with that of the samples to be analyzed, wasteful polymer is not used in the capillaries not used for the analysis. In addition, the polymer injection mechanism is unnecessary and the polymer is not necessary for maintenance and upon starting of analysis. An electrophoresis apparatus which is small in the size with no polymer injection mechanism, and with low running cost not wastefully consuming the polymer can be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fingerprint identification apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a display device comprising the fingerprint identification apparatus. The fingerprint identification apparatus comprises a plurality of identification elements, each comprising a first identification unit. The first identification unit comprises a first temperature sensitive hydrophilic/hydrophobic conversion layer, a lower electrode, a sealing layer, an electrically conductive droplet sandwiched between the first temperature sensitive hydrophilic-hydrophobic conversion layer and the lower electrode and enclosed by the sealing layer, and an upper electrode that is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive droplet and is not in direct contact with the lower electrode.

Abstract: A component, e.g., interposer has first and second opposite sides, conductive elements at the first side and terminals at the second side. The terminals can connect with another component, for example. A first element at the first side can comprise a first material having a thermal expansion coefficient less than 10 ppm/° C., and a second element at the second side can comprise a plurality of insulated structures separated from one another by at least one gap. Conductive structure extends through at least one insulated structure and is electrically coupled with the terminals and the conductive elements. The at least one gap can reduce mechanical stress in connections between the terminals and another component.

Abstract: An electrowetting display device includes a first support plate and a second support plate opposite the first support plate. A plurality of pixel walls are formed over the first support plate. The plurality of pixel walls are associated with a first pixel and a second pixel. The plurality of pixel walls define a first display area of the first pixel and a second display area of the second pixel. A first electrode is formed over the first support plate underneath the first display area of the first pixel. A second electrode is formed over the first support plate underneath the second display area of the second pixel. The first electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode. A first switch may be positioned underneath the second display area, with the first switch being electrically connected to the first electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique that uses an externally applied electric field to self-assemble monolayers of mixtures of particles into molecular-like hierarchical arrangements on fluid-liquid interfaces. The arrangements consist of composite particles which are arranged in a pattern. The structure of a composite particle depends on factors such as the relative sizes of the particles and their polarizabilities, and the electric field intensity. If the particles sizes differ by a factor of two or more, the composite particle has a larger particle at its core and several smaller particles form a ring around it. The number of particles in the ring and the spacing between the composite particles depend on their polarizabilities and the electric field intensity. Approximately same sized particles form chains in which positively and negatively polarized particles alternate, and when their polarizabilities are comparable they form tightly packed crystals.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microanalysis chip includes a substrate, a flow channel in which a sample liquid is allowed to flow, the flow channel being provided on a main surface side of the substrate, a reservoir in which the sample liquid is allowed to be stored, the reservoir being provided on a main surface of the substrate, including a bank having a go-around shape and further including a liquid introduction inlet for connection to an end of the flow channel, the liquid introduction inlet being provided on the main surface of the substrate in the bank, and a filter which is provided between the liquid introduction inlet and the end of the flow channel and includes a first micropore for allowing passage of a fine particle in the sample liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution for a highlight or multicolor display device, in which each display cell can display high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises three types of pigment particles, having different levels of size, threshold voltage or charge intensity.

Abstract: An optical system and method for quantifying total protein in whole blood or other multi-phase liquids and colloidal suspensions uses refractometry without preliminary steps such as cell separation or centrifugation. A refractometer is integrated with a flow cell to enable the refractive index of a flowing sample to be measured based on a substantially cell free boundary layer of the sample that is present under certain flow conditions. Dimensions of the flow cell are selected to produce a cell-free layer in a flow of whole blood in which the cell free layer is thick enough to reduce scattering of light from the refractometer light source. A numerical method is used to compensate for scattering artifacts. The numerical compensation method is based on the slope and width of a peak in the derivative curve of an angular spectrum image of the flowing sample produced by refractometry.

Abstract: A method of aligning a plurality of targets is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of targets. A third phase includes the plurality of targets. The method further includes combining a first phase, a second phase, and the third phase in a volume. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are substantially immiscible, and the third phase is in fluid communication with the first phase and the second phase, and the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are operable to be in a configuration of the third phase between the first phase and the second phase in the volume.

Abstract: A substrate for use in manufacture of a production master plate for production of a detection disc for carrying samples in an apparatus for detection of microscopic objects in a fluid, the substrate having a channel and separate focus structure, wherein the focus structure is a groove.

Abstract: Methods to minimize electro-corrosion in the water cooling ports of stacked heat sinks (coolers) and components fabricated according to those methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis device including a capillary tube, a suction pump for taking liquid, an intake tube whose end is formed vertically downward, a connection block in which there is an intake flow path that holds the end of the capillary tube and connecting the suction pump to the intake tube, a sample storage unit which contains a sample and has an upward opening into which the tip of the intake tube may be inserted, an intake tube access mechanism to insert the tip of the intake tube into the sample storage unit, and a voltage application mechanism that applies an electric potential difference across the capillary tube.

Abstract: The water treatment system (S) according to the present invention includes an electrosorption unit (E) comprising a body (G); a polluted water inlet (1) for supplying water received from the water source into the body (G); a clean water outlet (2) for discharging water received from the polluted water inlet (1) out of the body (G), after it is purified from foreign materials contained therein; at least two perforated plates (4) positioned in the body (G) such that at least one of them is close to the polluted water inlet (1) and at least the other one is close to the clean water outlet (2); and at least two electrodes (3) which are located in the body (G), with an insulating layer (6) in between, and which collect, through electrosorption method, foreign materials contained in the water received from the polluted water inlet (1) thereon, when electrical potential is applied, and which include activated carbon, and at least one power source (8) supplying to at least one of the electrodes (3) of the electrosorp

Abstract: Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, assemblies, and articles for capturing single cells with a polymer capture film. In certain embodiments, the polymer capture films comprise a plurality of individual channels with top and bottom openings, where the channels are dimensioned such that a single cell is: i) is captured inside the channel, partially or substantially occluding the channel, when negative pressure is provided to the bottom opening; or ii) is captured by the top opening, but does not enter the channel, when negative pressure is provided to the bottom opening. In some embodiments, the channels of the polymer capture film align with the wells of a multi-well chip such that the cell, or the contents of the single cell, may be transferred to a corresponding well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a solution including a unit configured to place a flow cell having a flow path for flowing a sample solution containing the particles; a unit configured to illuminate the sample solution flowing through the flow path of the flow cell; a photodetector that detects a scattered light and/or fluorescence generated from the particles in the sample solution; and a unit configured to analyze the particles based on their signal intensities detected by the photodetector, wherein the flow cell has the flow path formed in a substrate, a reflection plane is formed on the side surface of the flow path, the reflection plane leads the lights generated in the flow path of the flow cell and advancing in the substrate in-plane direction to a specified region of the surface of the flow cell, and the photodetector detects the light exiting from the specified region to the outside.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel improvements to conventional microtiter plates, involving integrating microfluidic channels with such microtiter plates to simplify the assay operation, Increase operational speed and reduce reagent consumption. The present invention can be used in place of a conventional microliter plate and can be easily substituted without any changes to the existing instrumentation systems designed for microtiter plates. The invention also discloses a microfluidic device integrated with sample loading wells wherein the entire flow process is capillary driven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pump or rotary cutter having at least one first element (9??, 10??) which can be brought from a transport state into an operating state by changing at least one mechanical property. Such a pump can, for example, be a blood pump for the medical, microinvasive area. The object of achieving a transition between the transport state and the operating state which is as comfortable as possible and in so doing leaving a freedom in the design of corresponding apparatus, in particular of a pump, which is as large as possible, is achieved using the means of the invention in that the first element at least partly comprises a material (24, 25, 26, 27) or can be filled with a material or material mixture which passes through a chemical reaction, in particular cross-linking, or a crystallization for transition into the operating state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to microfluidic devices and methods for fabricating the devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing and encapsulated electrodes, microfluidic devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing, encapsulated capillary loops and encapsulated electrodes, and methods of fabricating devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing, encapsulated capillary loops and encapsulated electrodes resulting in reduced dead volume interconnects between the fluidic tubing and capillary loops and associated microchannels and aligned fluidic tubing openings, capillary loop openings, electrodes and other device features.

Abstract: This invention provides for a device and methods of dispensing a precise predetermined volume of liquid of discrete drops, vapor, or mist while preventing contamination due to Pull Back and ensuring precision dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel nucleic acid molecule that can be used for detection of peanuts. The peanut-binding nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is characterized in that it binds to a peanut allergen with a dissociation constant of 10 nM or less, and preferably contains a polynucleotide consisting of any of base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 15, for example. It is also preferable that, for example, the peanut-binding nucleic acid molecule of the present invention binds with significant specificity to the peanut allergen rather than to a soybean protein.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge used in a digital microfluidics system has a bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, a rigid cover plate with second hydrophobic surface, and a gap there-between. The bottom layer is a flexible film on an uppermost surface of a cartridge accommodation site of a system, attracted to and spread over the uppermost surface by an underpressure. A lower surface of the plate and the flexible bottom layer are sealed to each other. The assembled cartridge is removed from the cartridge accommodation site in one piece and potentially includes samples and processing fluids. The system has a base unit and a cartridge accommodation site with an electrode array of individual electrodes and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting.

Abstract: An OLED display panel and a manufacturing method thereof, a display device and a filling method of a filling adhesive are provided. The OLED display panel comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other; a first adhesive dam connected with and located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and provided with at least one opening; a second adhesive dam connected with and located between the first substrate and the second substrate, located outside the first adhesive dam, and forming a sealed cell together with the first substrate and the second substrate; an OLED device located on an inner side of the first adhesive dam and on the first substrate; and a filling adhesive filled in the inner side of the first adhesive dam. With the OLED display panel, the adjusting difficulty of production engineering of the OLED display panel can be reduced.

Abstract: A device (1) for detecting the bacterial charge in a liquid or semi-liquid food product comprises a main containment body (2), an analysis chamber (3), located inside the containment body (2) and designed to contain a certain quantity of product to be examined, one or more heating means (4) designed to heat the product inside the analysis chamber (3), at least one temperature sensor (5) designed to monitor the temperature of the product inside the analysis chamber (3) and sensor means (6) designed to detect the impedance in the product inside the analysis chamber (3). The analysis chamber (3) has an elongate shape and extends along a principal axis (3a), while the one or more heating means (4) are symmetrical about a plane at right angles to the principal axis (3a).

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.

Abstract: An electronic paper device includes a ground plane, a charge receiving layer, and a porous stand off layer disposed over the charge receiving layer. An active layer is interposed between the ground plane and the charge receiving layer, the active layer including a plurality of microcapsules containing charged pigments. A system for writing information to electronic paper is also provided.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a reagent fluid dispensing device may be provided. The reagent fluid dispensing device may include a chamber for receiving a reagent fluid, the chamber having a first opening and a second opening; a first fluid conduit connected to the first opening of the chamber; a reservoir connected to the first fluid conduit, the reservoir having a first opening, wherein the first opening of the reservoir is connected to the first fluid conduit to form a passive valve, wherein the reservoir is dimensionalized for storing a predetermined volume of the reagent fluid; and a pneumatic conduit connected to the second opening of the chamber, wherein selective application of pneumatic pressure to the chamber through the pneumatic conduit transfers the reagent fluid from the reservoir to the chamber through the first fluid conduit. According to various embodiments, a microfluidic device including the reagent fluid dispensing device, and a method of dispensing a reagent fluid may be provided.

Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.

Abstract: A droplet actuator with a droplet formation electrode configuration associated with a droplet operations surface, wherein the electrode configuration may include one or more electrodes configured to control volume of a droplet during formation of a sub-droplet on the droplet operations surface. Methods of making and using the droplet actuator are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays including large FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: A modulator for simply providing fast and precise sampling of a chromatographic peak eluting from a first column into a second column of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, where the modulator includes a planar component containing a first gas passage for connecting a carrier gas source to the second separation column, a second gas passage for connecting the first separation column to an exhaust outlet, a connecting gas passage between the first and second gas passages, and two individually controllable open/close valves arranged in parallel connection in the first gas passage between its connection to the carrier gas source and the branch-off of the connecting gas passage, and where the gas passages and valves are formed in the planar component by micromachining.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure digital microfluidic arrays that may be fabricated by a printing method, whereby digital microfluidic electrodes arrays are printed, via a printing method such as inkjet printing, onto a suitable substrate. In some embodiments, a substrate and/or ink is prepared or modified to support the printing of electrode arrays, such as via changes to the surface energy. In some embodiments, porous and/or fibrous substrates are prepared by the addition of a barrier layer, or, for example, by the addition or infiltration of a suitable material to render the surface capable of supporting printed electrodes. Various example embodiments involving hybrid devices formed by the printing of digital microfluidic arrays onto a substrate having a hydrophilic layer are disclosed.

Abstract: A apparatus for controlling heat transfer between portions of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate including at least part of a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including a plurality of microconduits, the plurality of microconduits including a first microconduit and a second microconduit. The apparatus further includes a liquid metal flowing through the hydraulic circuit and a magnetic field configured to selectively direct the flow of the liquid metal between the plurality of microconduits. The flow of the liquid metal through the hydraulic circuit transfers heat between a first portion of the substrate and the liquid metal.