Abstract: A fluid sample optimization device for optimizing a fluid sample includes an inlet, an outlet, a sample path connected between the inlet and the outlet, and a contaminant containment reservoir connected between the inlet and the outlet. The contaminant containment reservoir includes an air permeable fluid resistor proximate the outlet, and is arranged to receive, when a pressure differential is applied between the inlet and the outlet, a first portion of the fluid sample to displace air therein through the air permeable fluid resistor and the outlet, such that upon receipt of the first portion of the fluid sample and containment of the contaminants in the contaminant containment reservoir, subsequent portions of the fluid sample can be conveyed by the sample path from the inlet to the outlet when subsequent pressure differentials are applied between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A method for displaying and detecting temperature field distribution of a fluid surface applies a stimulus-responsive compound to high-resolution and high-precision imaging of a temperature field of a fluid for the first time. Under physical or chemical stimulation, an imaging developer visualizes the temperature field distribution of the fluid surface. The method for displaying and detecting temperature field distribution of the fluid surface includes dissolving or dispersing an imaging reagent in a fluid, stimulating the fluid surface to change a color or a fluorescence of the imaging reagent, collecting images of a generated color or a generated fluorescence to obtain a temperature field distribution diagram of the fluid surface.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for constructing and utilizing a cartridge having one or more active warming elements. A cartridge can include a housing, an active warming element, and a power source connector. The housing can define a chamber storing a volume of reagent therein. The active warming element can be embedded within the housing and positioned proximate to the chamber. The power source connector can be coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the active warming element embedded within the housing. The active warming element is to thaw the volume of reagent within the chamber responsive to providing electrical power to the power source connector.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with chemical or biological analysis systems, as well as methods of using the same, is provided. The cartridge may include a floating microfluidic plate that is held in the cartridge using one or more floating support brackets that incorporate gaskets that may seal against fluidic ports on the microfluidic plate. The floating support brackets may include indexing features that may align the microfluidic plate with the seals.

Abstract: A device for receiving samples in a microscope is provided. The device comprises a microtiter plate. The microtiter plate comprises an inner part with cavities for the samples and with an optically transparent bottom plate, which seals the cavities underneath and a frame which defines a supporting surface and is configured to hold the inner part at least in a first position. The bottom plate is arranged above the supporting surface in the first position of the inner part. The inner part is movable relative to the frame along a direction (A) perpendicular to the supporting surface.

Abstract: Described is a device for testing electrical and/or electrochemical properties for a ?10 cubic centimeters (cc) test cell. The device is comprised of two opposing electrodes in a test cell, wherein one or both electrodes are elongated hollow cylindrical tube(s) such that the distance between the two electrodes is adjustable and measurable. Reagents including solid in powder form, liquid, and gas are optionally introduced into the test cell through the electrode(s) that are connected to a reagent container. The test cell is a transparent insulating material such as glass, quartz, plastic, or polymer; its configuration is selected from a group consisting of an open hemicylindrical channel, a sealable cylindrical tube, or a sealable box test cell. When electrical power and/or electrical measurement equipment is attached between the electrodes, electrical and electrochemical properties are measured whilst chemical reactions are observed.

Abstract: A system includes a processor, a robotic arm comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a plurality of ridges, a sensor configured to detect vibrations from the plurality of ridges, and a memory module. The memory module stores machine-readable instructions that cause the processor to perform operations including contacting, with the plurality of ridges, a target object, detecting, with the sensor, vibrations from the plurality of ridges caused by a movement between the target object and the plurality of ridges, determining an attribute of the movement based on the detected signals, and adjusting the end effector based on the attribute of the movement.

Abstract: A substrate structured to define thereon a fluid flow channel and/or a fluid control feature is described. The substrate may additionally comprise a capture zone and/or a test zone, for use as a test strip for determining presence or absence of an analyte of interest, such as an infectious agent or a biomarker. Reagents are deposited in the capture zone and/or test zone as an array of drops.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning a reusable fluid path system for hyperpolarization of a pharmaceutical product, the system being continuously at least partly contained by a polarizer. The steps include: providing the polarizer with an inlet tube having a first inlet tube end for fluid contact with a fluid vessel and a second inlet tube end for fluid contact with a vial, for holding the pharmaceutical product; providing the polarizer with an outlet tube having a first outlet tube end for receiving the vial and a second outlet tube end for connecting to a receiving vessel; sealing the second inlet end with the first outlet end; fluidly connecting a medium vessel to the first inlet end; fluidly connecting a collector vessel to the second outlet end; cleaning the path system by transferring cleaning medium from the vessel into the system; ejecting the cleaning medium; and drying the path system.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography kit for the simultaneous detection of a mixed pollutant of aflatoxin and carbaryl, a preparation method therefor, and an application thereof. The kit comprises a time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography test strip and a sample reaction vial containing a europium-labeled anti-aflatoxin monoclonal antibody and a europium-labeled anti-carbaryl monoclonal antibody lyophilized product, detection lines of the time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography test strip being coated with an aflatoxin-bovine serum albumin conjugate and a carbaryl-ovalbumin conjugate respectively, and the anti-carbaryl monoclonal antibody is produced by secretion of a hybridoma cell line Jnw1D2 with a preservation number of CCTCC NO. C201654. The kit can be used for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin and carbaryl content in a sample, and features simple and quick operations and a high sensitivity.

Abstract: A sample collection device for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The device includes a sample collection chamber, for collecting a sample therein, having a first end and a second end and a sample collection conduit, for conveying a sample from a user into the sample collection chamber. The sample collection conduit includes an inlet for receiving a sample and wherein in at least a first position the sample collection conduit extends from within the sample collection chamber out through the first end such that at least the inlet is outside of the sample collection chamber. The device further includes a plunger configured to expel the sample out of the sample collection chamber through the second end of the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: A pipette with an adjustable volume comprises a housing comprising an outside surface, at least one seat defining an opening, and a displacement apparatus defining a displacement chamber comprising a displacement element configured to be displaced therein. A stroke rod is coupled to the displacement element and configured to be displaced relative to the housing order to displace the displacement element. An adjusting apparatus is configured to adjust a position of an upper stop in the housing, a display apparatus is configured to display a set dosing volume, and a coupling apparatus is positioned between the adjusting apparatus and the display apparatus. The coupling apparatus is configured to couple the adjusting apparatus to the display apparatus in an engaged state and configured to uncouple the adjusting apparatus from the display apparatus in a disengaged state.

Abstract: An ink droplet volume measuring apparatus including: a substrate on which an ink droplet is dropped; a chromatic confocal sensor irradiating light having a plurality of wavelengths to the ink droplet dropped on the substrate and scanning the ink droplet; and a controller calculating a three-dimensional shape of the ink droplet from a signal scanned by the chromatic confocal sensor.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with chemical or biological analysis systems, as well as methods of using the same, is provided. The cartridge may include a floating microfluidic plate that is held in the cartridge using one or more floating support brackets that incorporate gaskets that may seal against fluidic ports on the microfluidic plate. The floating support brackets may include indexing features that may align the microfluidic plate with the seals.

Abstract: A fluidic network for carrying out, in parallel, a plurality of analyses of biological samples is disclosed. The network has a flow cell array with a plurality of reaction chambers. The reaction chambers each have a first channel connection and a second channel connection. The first channel connections are connected to a first supply channel and the second channel connections are connected to a second supply channel. The first supply channel and the second channel connection are interconnected by a circulation line. At least one component is connected to the circulation line so that component test reagents can be introduced into the reaction chambers of the flow cell array.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting binding assays in an assay device that includes one or more storage and use zone. The storage zones of the assay device are configured to house one or more reagents used in an assay conducted in the use zone of the device.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic kit for simultaneous detection of mixed contamination of five mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1 and an application thereof are disclosed. The kit comprises a time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip and sample reaction vials each containing a europium-labeled monoclonal antibody lyophilized product; wherein the fluorescent test strip comprises a PVC substrate, and a surface of the PVC substrate is adhered with a water absorbing pad (1), a detection pad (2) and a sample pad (3) from top to bottom, adjacent pads being connected and overlapping at connections. The detection pad (2) adopts a nitrocellulose membrane as the base thereof and is arranged with a lateral quality control line (5) and five detection lines (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) from top to bottom each covered by a bovine serum albumin conjugate of each toxin.

Abstract: Methods for identifying patients diagnosed with treatment resistant or refractory depression, pain or other clinical indications who are eligible to receive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, glycine receptor beta (GLRB) modulator, or ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-based therapies to include determining the appropriate medication, an optimal dose for each patient, and determining which patients are not eligible to receive the therapy. The pharmacogenomic clinical decision support assays include targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms and clinical values or a combination of targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms, targeted ketamine-specific expansion and contraction of topologically associated domains, and clinical values. The methods described herein allow for a more effective determination of which patients will experience drug efficacy and which patients will experience adverse drug events.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes at least one area onto which at least one support element having at least one well may be placed in a defined position. The fluid delivery device further includes at least one pipetting device having a connector configured to releasably connect the at least one pipetting device with a disposable tip and with a fluid displacement element which enables aspiration and ejection of a defined volume of liquid to or from the disposable tip. The at least one pipetting element is movable in a vertical and preferably in at least one horizontal direction. The fluid delivery device also includes a blowing element that has at least one aperture coupled to a source of pressurized gas and is movable in a vertical and preferably at least one horizontal direction. A system includes such a fluid delivery device and the at least one support element.

Abstract: An exemplary portable automated device is developed for in vitro testing of blood vascular occlusion as a result of sickle cell disease. The portable automated device may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable automated device, analysis may be performed on sickle cell samples on a microfluidic platform that mimics the structure of human capillaries. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips and cartridges and systems that include such chips are disclosed. In some embodiments, the chips include a microfluidic channel disposed in a substrate with the channel comprising at least one expansion region. The channel is configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid through the microfluidic channel to trap cells or particles. The substrate in which the channel is formed may be relatively rigid to resist deformation.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a pad formed on a surface of a substrate, a bonding wire for connecting the pad to an external circuit, and a resin layer covering at least a connection portion between the pad and the bonding wire and exposing at least a part of the substrate outside the pad.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a device for housing chemical vapour sampling material. The device comprises a housing comprising a barrel, the barrel being configured to hold at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material, the barrel having a first opening at a first end configured to deploy at least a portion of the at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material; an extension mechanism arranged to cause extension and retraction of the at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material from the housing via the first opening; the extension mechanism being operable by actuation of at least one actuator. Actuating the at least one actuator causes extension or retraction of the at least one fibre of the chemical vapour sampling material from the housing via the first opening.

Abstract: An integrated reagent cartridge can be configured to hold and deliver reagents during sequencing. The integrated reagent cartridge can include a large-volume reagent region, a small-volume reagent region, a top cover, a bottom shell assembly, and a manifold assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

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 pregnancy progression test system that includes multiple tests, each with decreasing sensitivity to provide the user of indication of a progressing pregnancy when taken over the course of a time period.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic substrate, a microfluidic chip and a detection method. The microfluidic substrate according to the present disclosure includes a first substrate, and a plurality of droplet detecting elements on the first substrate and in an array. Each of the plurality of droplet detecting elements includes an ultrasonic conversion device and a voltage detecting element, the ultrasonic conversion device is configured to generate ultrasonic wave according to a first electric signal, receive a reflected ultrasonic wave, and convert the reflected ultrasonic wave into a second electric signal; and the voltage detecting element is configured to detect the second electric signal and determine whether a droplet exists at a position where the droplet detecting element is located based on the second electric signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample tube for polymerase chain reaction. The sample tube includes a sample tube body having an annular side wall and a bottom wall connected to annular side wall, wherein the annular side wall and the bottom wall form an accommodating space for accommodating a reaction mixture; and a first extension member extending from the bottom wall to the accommodating space, wherein, to carry out PCR, the reaction mixture immerses the first extension member, such that the light from the light source enters into the reaction mixture via the bottom and the bottom wall of the sample tube and the first extension member sequentially.

Abstract: A sample holder includes a first member featuring a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate that includes a sample, a second member featuring a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate that includes a reagent medium, and an alignment mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second members, and configured to align the first and second members such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip and valve, production process and uses thereof according to the independent claims.

Abstract: An analysis unit formed by an analysis body housing an analysis chamber and having a sample inlet and a supply channel configured to fluidically connect the sample inlet to the analysis chamber. Dried assay reagents are arranged in the analysis chamber and are contained in an alveolar mass. For instance, the alveolar mass is a lyophilized mass formed by excipients and by assay-specific reagents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing cells of interest from a larger group of cells are provided. In some embodiments, the cells are held within cell culture media inside a chamber during laser dissection.

Abstract: A method for attaching a prepared sample to a carrier in a focused ion beam chamber. The method includes reducing a temperature within the chamber to substantially below room temperature followed by moving the prepared sample adjacent to a substrate carrier surface. The temperature can be lowered sufficiently to establish a cryogenic condition in the chamber. Attachment of the prepared sample to the substrate carrier is done by controlling the focused ion beam to raster a target area of the surface in the absence of a gas deposition precursor, to sputter material onto the base of the sample and the substrate carrier surface, thereby binding the prepared sample to the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing cells for the intracellular delivery of molecules or other cargo includes a plurality of microchannels disposed in a substrate or chip and fluidically coupled to an inlet configured to receive a solution containing the cells and the molecules or other cargo to be delivered intracellularly to the cells. Each of the plurality of microchannels has one or more constriction regions therein, wherein the constriction regions comprise an omniphobic, superhydrophilic, or superhydrophobic surface. In some embodiments, multiple microfluidic devices operating in parallel are used to process large numbers of cells. The device and method has particularly applicability to delivering gene-editing molecules intracellularly to cells.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic detection device adapted for detecting an analyte in a specimen includes a surface-modified cellulose membrane, a detection unit, and a substrate. The surface-modified cellulose membrane includes opposite top and bottom surfaces, cellulose fibers, and an anti-biofouling acrylic copolymer that is bonded to the cellulose fibers. The detection unit is disposed on the top surface of the cellulose membrane, is configured to interact with the specimen, and includes a diffusion layer, a capturing layer, a detection layer, a control line layer, and an absorbent layer. The substrate is disposed on the bottom surface of the surface-modified cellulose membrane.

Abstract: A metering head for a metering machine having a carrier having parallel attachments for picking up pipette tips wherein each attachment has a tube having a supporting protrusion at the bottom end at least one sleeve which surrounds the tube and can be axially shifted on the tube, and at least one elastomer O-ring which surrounds the tube a pressure plate above the sleeves having a plurality of first holes through which the tubes extend, wherein the pressure plate can be shifted along the tubes from a release position into a clamping position where the sleeves are pressed, at the bottom ends, against the adjacent O-rings, and the O-rings are expanded to clamp pipette tips; and a first shifting apparatus connected to the pressure plate moving the pressure plate between the release position and clamping position.

Abstract: Trains that pass through an inspection portal must be analyzed for structural integrity through the capture of high-resolution images of the train, the train cars and the associated parts of the train car (hoses, knuckles and wheels for example). A directed source of light using the correct camera placement and lighting for the cameras is provided to ensure that the images are the highest resolution possible with the environmental factors that are present. With the clear images that are provided the images are formed to provide an analysis of the integrity of the train.

Abstract: Methods and kits to assess an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and/or the severity of tissue injury from radiation in a patient. Also, algorithms used to calculate an absorbed dose of radiation based on biomarker measurements of a plurality of biomarkers that are altered relative to a normal control in the event of radiation exposure.

Abstract: A molecular filtration device and method of use capable of filtering and purifying molecules of a particular characteristic, wherein the amount of molecule to be filtered may be in the nanogram range and may be dispersed in a relatively large volume of solution. The resultant elution may include a relatively high concentration of desired molecule, due to a relatively small volume.

Abstract: A nanopore-based sequencing system includes a plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips. Each of the nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises a plurality of nanopore sensors. The system comprises at least one flow cell coupled to at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips, wherein the flow cell coupled to the at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises one or more fluidic flow channels that allow a fluid external to the system to flow on top of the nanopore-based sequencing chip and out of the system. The system further comprises a printed circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips.

Abstract: Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.

Abstract: A device to host a crystallization medium, such as a solution, for crystal growth and a system for X-ray diffraction experiments to determine the atomic structure of crystals. A plurality of cells have a well, a sample holder placed in the well. The solution is hosted in the sample holder between thin-plates or one thin-plate. A cap seals an opening to the cell and each sample holder can be extracted independently from each well. A system for automated X-ray diffraction experiments for small crystals in the sample holder extracted from the wells utilizes an ultrasonic acoustic levitator to determine the crystal structure at atomic resolution. X-ray diffraction images are generated by scanning the X-ray beam over the levitated sample holder along a spiral trajectory by rotating the sample holder and moving in the direction perpendicular to the X-ray beam and the rotation axis at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidic devices. In some aspects, various entities, such as droplets or particles, may be contained within a microfluidic device, e.g., within collection chambers or other locations within the device. In some cases, the entities may be released from such locations, e.g., in a sequential pattern, or an arbitrary pattern. In some cases, the entities may be imaged, reacted, analyzed, etc. while contained within the collection chambers. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making or using such devices, kits involving such devices, or the like.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and test strips for detecting the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a biological sample with a lateral flow device which uses lectin conjugates, anti-antigen conjugates, an immobilized serum line, and an immobilized anti-antigen line.

Abstract: A body cube for culturing tissue that includes: an organ chip holder; and a body barrier chip and a first body organ chip disposed in the organ chip holder, the first body organ chip including a first cell culture chamber that receives cell culture medium and produces a first tissue in the first cell culture chamber, such that the organ chip holder receives cell culture medium and communicates the cell culture medium to the first cell culture chamber of the first body organ chip in response to rotation of the organ chip holder.