Abstract: Automated apparatuses for use in examining gas sorption materials are described. Devices utilize a noncontact magnetic induction heating approach for controlling the temperature of tested materials. The apparatuses can be used to generate single or multiple isotherms simultaneously. The apparatuses can examine nanogram or microgram-scale quantities of materials of interest and can do so automatically and unattended. Pressure-composition isotherms can be provided through use of disclosed apparatuses in a period of a few hours.

Abstract: A method for security inspection of baggage and/or personal items and a kit of parts include a detachable single-use inlay and an X-ray tray of a security check, for example, at an airport. A single-use inlay as such is also described. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to use of the kit of parts and/or the single-use inlay for the prevention of transfer of pathogenic agents. At least one metal organic framework (MOF) provided on the outer side and/or inner side of the single-use inlay is adapted and arranged to detect at least one explosive or any other hazardous compound, and/or detect at least one drug.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises a top wall and a cap removal station. The cap removal station comprises an opening, a raised collar for engaging and releasing interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle, and tabs on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar for retaining the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle. A method for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises moving the cap and receptacle in a first direction into a cap removal station, contacting interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle with a raised collar to thereby release the interlocking elements, retaining the receptacle within the cap removal station; and with the interlocking elements released and the receptacle retained within the cap removal station, moving the cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the cap from the receptacle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to detect the presence of bacteria and small microorganisms, and to identify various microbial attributes rapidly.

Abstract: An example device includes a first microfluidic channel in communication with a fluid reservoir to receive cell-containing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The device further includes a second microfluidic channel in communication with the fluid reservoir to receive cell-containing fluid from the fluid reservoir. The device further includes a first sensor disposed at the first microfluidic channel, a second sensor disposed at the second microfluidic channel, a first dispense nozzle disposed at an end of the first microfluidic channel, and a second dispense nozzle disposed at an end of the second microfluidic channel. The first microfluidic channel is shaped to convey cells of a first size range, and the second microfluidic channel is shaped to convey cells of a second size range that is different from the first size range.

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: Disclosed is a liquid sealed cartridge in which a liquid injected through an inlet is previously sealed, and the liquid is transferred by a centrifugal force being applied by rotation, and the liquid sealed cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion configured to store the liquid; a bypass flow path having one end and the other end connected to the liquid storage portion, the bypass flow path having the inlet; and a transfer flow path into which the liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion when the centrifugal force is applied.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid phase extraction method using a micro device having a dam forming portion including a dam, the solid phase extraction method comprising the steps of: (i) injecting a solvent and a filler into the micro device, moving the solvent to the dam forming portion, the dam allowing the solvent to flow therethrough and preventing the filler from passing therethrough, and adsorbing a material to be separated onto the filler in the dam forming portion; and (ii) extracting, from the filler, the adsorbed material, wherein the micro device is rotated with respect to a central axis during one of steps (i) and (ii), and the rotation of the micro device is performed at an angular velocity defined by equation 1.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods allowing for automated sampling and/or analysis of controlled environments, for example, to determine the presence, quantity, size, concentration, viability, species or characteristics of particles within the environment. The described systems and methods may utilize robotics or automation or remove some or all of the collection or analysis steps that are traditionally performed by human operators. The methods and systems described herein are versatile and may be used with known particle sampling and analysis techniques and particle detection devices including, for example, optical particle counters, impingers and impactors.

Abstract: This pipette tip includes: a first part having an outer diameter which increases gradually from a distal end side toward a proximal end side; a second part in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the second part is smaller than a taper angle of an outer surface of the first part; a third part in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the third part is larger than the taper angle of the outer surface of the first part; and a fourth in which a taper angle of an outer surface of the fourth part is smaller than the taper angle of the outer surface of the third part.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to a panel of antigen biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The compositions and methods encompass antigen biomarkers coupled to a substrate, with the biomarkers being selected from the group consisting of one or more of ICAM3, CTAG2, p53, STYXL1, PVR, POMC, NUDT11, TRIM39, UHMK1, KSR1, and NXF3.

Abstract: Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.

Abstract: A multiwell plate cover is provided, wherein the cover comprises a frame configured for attachment to a multiwell plate; a first movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the width of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the first movable guide member is slidable along the length of the frame; and a second movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the length of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the second movable guide member is slidable along the width of the frame, wherein the first and second movable guide member are configured to move independently from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hydrogel bead, a chemical sensor including the same, and an electronic product including the chemical sensor. The hydrogel bead includes at least one type of polysaccharide physically crosslinked with a cation or an anion, and a pH indicator dye.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining, by flow cytometry, the hemoglobin F (HbF) content of each erythroid cell of a set of erythroid cells. This method applies in particular to determining the HbF content of each red blood cell of a set of red blood cells. The invention also concerns a method for determining the amount of red blood cells transfused into a patient and for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of a treatment for sickle cell disease or ?-thalassemia.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an embedding apparatus capable of selectively changing a thickness above a hand-rest part of a mechanism for placing a hand. As solving means, the embedding apparatus (10) according to the present invention configured to dispense and embed an embedding material into an embedding tray includes a cold spot (16) configured to cool the embedding tray, a hand-rest part (18) provided on each of left and right sides with the cold spot (16) interposed therebetween, and a wrist-rest part (24) detachably attached onto the hand-rest part (18).

Abstract: In order to facilitate disassembly of the fluid dispensing unit (4), the latter has the covering cap (17) with which at least one sealing means (18) located in the head part (12) of the fluid dispensing unit (4) can be fixed in its use position. In order to release the covering cap (17) from the head part (12), said covering cap is rotatable relative to the head part (12). A releasable snap connection (19) is provided between the covering cap (17) and the head part (12), said snap connection being formed by at least one latching projection (20) and/or at least one latching depression (21), wherein at least one oblique surface (22) is formed on the latching projection (20) and/or on the latching depression (21), said surface being oriented in such a manner that the snap connection (19) can be released by rotation of the covering cap (17) relative to the head part (12) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target gene according to the present invention comprises a plurality of capillary tubes which are partially immersed in a sample container containing sample solution and in which the sample solution flows by capillary phenomenon, and microbead packings arranged at one part in each capillary tube to be arranged on a flow path of the sample solution, wherein each of the microbead packings comprises: a packing tube arranged at the capillary tube so as to partially constitute the flow path of the sample solution, a plurality of microbeads contained in the packing tube and being in close contact with each other to form voids between the microbeads, and probe linkers formed on a surface of each microbead, wherein the probe linkers are configured to amplify a target gene in the sample solution by complementary bonding with the target gene, thereby detecting the target gene.

Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMD-H1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microfluidic device. The device comprises a flow path structure that includes an inlet microchannel and chambers. The flow path structure is configured as an arborescence extending from the inlet microchannel to the chambers. Thus, liquid introduced in said inlet microchannel can potentially enter the chambers via respective flow paths to remain essentially confined in the chambers, in operation. The device further comprises substances in selected ones of the chambers. That is, a subset of the chambers is loaded with substances adapted for interacting with liquid to yield a detectable change in a property of the liquid and/or the substance in each of the chambers of said subset, in operation. The invention is further directed to related devices, and methods of operation and conditioning.

Abstract: The disclosed microfluidic valves may include a valve body having at least one cavity therein, a gate transmission element separating the cavity into an input gate terminal and an output gate terminal, a gate port configured to convey drive fluid into the input gate terminal, and a fluid channel. The gate transmission element may include a flexible membrane and a plunger coupled to the flexible membrane. The gate transmission element may be configured to move within the cavity to inhibit a subject fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet port of the fluid channel upon pressurization of the input gate terminal, and to allow subject fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port upon depressurization of the input gate terminal. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.

Abstract: A method for processing a blood sample is provided that can improve the recovery rate of deformable rare cells that would easily pass through a filter and small rare cells while reducing the filtration area of the filter, and that can recover the rare cells alive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the concentration of inorganic phosphate, especially orthophosphate, where said device is a test matrix including a molybdate salt, a solid acid, a PVP derivative, and a mixture of at least two different chromogenic reducing agents. In addition, the invention relates to a process for increasing the sensitivity of a test device.

Abstract: An inspection tester for testing a surface for suspected explosive substances includes a body unit, a breakable ampoule carried by the body unit, and an ionic explosive detecting reagent in the breakable ampoule wherein the body unit and the breakable ampoule are positioned to deliver the ionic explosive detecting reagent to the surface for testing the surface for the suspected explosive substances. The ionic explosive detecting reagent is a salt in a liquid state.

Abstract: A test device includes a housing and a lid. The housing encloses an internal space, has a hole supporting a container accommodating liquid, and includes a perforation/incision part. The lid covers a hole-formed part of the housing. The housing and/or the lid includes a guide that guides the housing and the lid, so that the lid can migrate from the first position to the second position while covering the hole-formed part of the housing. In the first position, the lid covers the hole-formed part of the housing and the container and the container is not incised. During the migration of the lid from the first position to the second position, the container is pushed toward the perforation/incision part by the lid, and the container is incised to leak liquid into the internal space.

Abstract: A microfluidic device with a microfluidic circuit including an array of fluidly coupled microchambers. Each microchamber includes a reaction chamber and an associated vent chamber. The microfluidic circuit may be arranged so that a fluid sample introduced to microfluidic device flows into the reaction chamber and air or other gas present in the reaction chamber is vented from the microchamber through the vent chamber. The microchamber may be configured to allow only the flow of air into the vent chamber from the reaction chamber until the air has been displaced from the reaction chamber by the fluid sample and/or a predefined volume of the fluid sample has been received in the reaction chamber. The microchamber may be further configured to release the fluid sample to thereafter flow from the reaction chamber into the vent chamber.

Abstract: An electronic pipette comprising a piston actuated in a cylinder by a motor, a control system for carrying out pipette operations, and a user interface for operating the pipette, which user interface comprises a display, wherein the main menu of the user interface comprises a user defined shortcut to a specific pipetting application.

Abstract: To suppress precipitation of a cleaning solution to a vibration head of an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner includes: a cleaning tank which stores a cleaning solution; an ultrasonic transducer; and a vibration head which extends from the ultrasonic transducer toward the cleaning tank and of which a tip portion includes a cylindrical hole having a longitudinal direction aligned to a vertical direction, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is driven at a frequency at which the vibration head is vibrated resonantly, and wherein the vibration head is provided with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic coating film 502 which has an interface between an area 223 corresponding to a vibration antinode and area corresponding to a vibration node during the resonant vibration of the vibration head, and covers the area 222 corresponding to the vibration node.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a frame that includes a plurality of wells integrated therewith, where the plurality of wells have a closed bottom and an open top. The frame further includes an opening within the frame having a reaction vessel (RV) or RV cap removably disposed therein, where the plurality of wells and the opening are linearly arranged relative to each other. Also provided are sample preparation cartridges that include a frame, two or more cartridge separation projections on a top side of the frame, and two or more cartridge separation projections on a bottom side of the frame. The cartridge separation projections separate the cartridge and a different cartridge when the cartridge and different cartridge are stacked. Methods of using the sample preparation cartridges, as well as nucleic acid sample preparation units that include the sample preparation cartridges, are also provided.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

Abstract: A system for obtaining plasma enriched in platelets is disclosed which is closed to the atmosphere. The system includes: a collection tube containing an anticoagulant portion and a separation gel; a first collection syringe adapted to collect a portion of fluid relatively depleted in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation; and a second collection syringe adapted to collect plasma enriched in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation, said second collection syringe further comprising a filter unit adapted to filter cells included in said plasma enriched in platelets.

Abstract: A sealed lateral flow device includes a test strip, a base structure, and a removable cover fixed to the base structure. The test strip includes one or more of a sample application zone, a detection zone, and a liquid collection zone. The test strip is disposed within a bottom section of the base structure. The removable cover fixed to the base structure sealingly encloses the test strip within the base structure and forms an airtight seal of the base structure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides colorimetric test strips and fast screening field test kits for differentiating between cannabinoids in cannabis samples, preferably, for differentiating marijuana from other cannabis plants, e.g., hemp. The fast screening field test kit can also be used for confirming the presence of marijuana in a complex cannabis sample. The colorimetric test strips use a solid substrate (e.g., capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) device) for the colorimetric reaction. The non-polar nature of the CMV sorbent does not allow the reaction of FBBB and THC to spread, producing an intense red color in the presence of a plant with high concentration of THC (e.g., marijuana) or an orange color in the presence of a plant with a high concentration of CBD (e.g., hemp).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for heating a process gas in a top or bottom fired reformer, a method for improving the temperature spread over a top or bottom fired reformer, and to a top or bottom fired reformer wherein these methods can applied. This can be achieved by the lane flow rate of at least one outer tube lane being different from the lane flow rate of at least one inner tube lane.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus are described to collect and prepare single cells and groups of cells from microsamples of specimens and encode spatial information of the physical position of the cells in the specimen. In some embodiment, beads or surfaces with oligonucleotides containing spatial barcodes are used to analyze DNA or RNA. The spatial barcodes allow the position of the cell to be defined and the nucleic acid sequencing information, such as target sequencing, whole genome, gene expression, used to analyze the cells in a microsample for cell type, expression pattern, DNA sequence, and other information, in the context of the cell's physical position in the specimen. In other embodiment, markers such as isotopes are added to a microsample to encode spatial position with mass spectoscopy or other analysis. The spatial encoded information is then readout by analysis such as DNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, fluorescence, or other methods.

Abstract: A robot hand includes a pair of movable members that is detachable from a wrist flange of a robot body and that are arranged at a distance from each other; holding parts that are provided on the movable members and that hold a workpiece; and a width adjusting mechanism that supports the pair of movable members so as to allow relative movement thereof in a width direction and that adjusts a distance B between the pair of movable members by means of the relative movement of the pair of movable members in the width direction (A). The pair of movable members are relatively moved in the width direction as a result of the width adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of loading a sample storage device (10) for a plurality of sample carriers (38A-38E) equipped with sample containers (34), said method comprising: during removal of sample containers (34) from the sample storage device (10): providing at least one output sample carrier (38A) having sample containers (34) that can be taken up from the output sample carrier (38A); providing a target sample carrier (38B) in which sample containers (34) taken up from the output sample carrier (38A) can be deposited; providing a refilling sample carrier (38C) which is at least partially filled with sample containers (34); removing at least one sample container (34) from the output sample carrier (38A) and depositing the at least one sample container (34) in the target sample carrier (38B), and for each sample container (34) removed from the output sample carrier (38A) and deposited in the target sample carrier (38B), removing another sample container (34) from the refilling sample carrier

Abstract: A target sample to be chemically analyzed is received at a microfluidic device which is part of an analysis card. The microfluidic device includes at least one input layer configured to receive the target sample, at least one intermediary layer, and at least one readout layer configured to present one or more color attributes at one or more readout regions in response to one or more colorimetric reactions to the target sample. An image of the readout layer of the microfluidic device is obtained. A calibration file that corresponds to the analysis card is obtained. The calibration file includes a calibrated model of at least one color attribute based on data from at least one known chemical attribute of at least one standard sample processed by a calibration card.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for analyte detection in a sample and more particularly, a biological sample. Methods and systems particularly relate to differentiating and/or identifying cell types in biological samples, such as blood samples, by adding antibodies specific to predetermined CD antigens. Other methods and systems relate to controlling the dynamic range of an assay for analyte detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. The system, in one configuration, includes a sample processing apparatus for use with a biological sample and/or a reagent, a housing and a touchscreen display mounted to the housing. The system, in one configuration, contains a cartridge insertion location; at least one optical detector; a control unit having a processor that is programmed to execute computer-readable commands; and a sample handling system.

Abstract: Described here are meters and methods for sampling, transporting, and/or analyzing a fluid sample. The meters may include a meter housing and a cartridge. In some instances, the meter may include a tower which may engage one or more portions of a cartridge. The meter housing may include an imaging system, which may or may not be included in the tower. The cartridge may include one or more sampling arrangements, which may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a sampling site. A sampling arrangement may include a skin-penetration member, a hub, and a quantification member.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, including a controllable shape-changing micropillar where a shape of the shape-changing micropillar is changed by a fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prediction method for the prognosis of sepsis comprising measuring an sCD14-ST level in a sample. sCD14-ST, to be measured in the present invention, is a marker superior to procalcitonin, known as a marker to predict the prognosis in sepsis patients.

Abstract: A point-of-birth system and instrument, biochemical cartridge, and methods for newborn screening is disclosed. Namely, a point-of-birth system is provided that includes a point-of-birth instrument for receiving and processing a biochemical cartridge for performing newborn screening. Further, a portable smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is in communication with point-of-birth instrument, wherein the smart device may include a newborn screening (NBS) mobile app. In one example, the point-of-birth system and point-of-birth instrument support newborn biological screening only. However, in another example, the point-of-birth system and point-of-birth instrument support both newborn biological screening and newborn physiological screening.

Abstract: A method for a computing device to recalibrate a multiple camera system includes collecting calibration data from one or more pictures captured by the multiple camera system of the computing device. The multiple camera system includes two or more cameras that are each physically separated by a distance from one another. The method further includes detecting decalibration of the camera system. The method further includes, when the camera system is decalibrated, generating recalibration parameters based on the calibration data. The method further includes determining whether the recalibration parameters are valid parameters and, when they are, updating the multiple camera system based on the recalibration parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical vapor-sensor bag with an integrated sensor array to verify the presence of specific chemical vapors inside a sealed bag. In an exemplary embodiment, a device can be sealed within a vapor-sensor bag to allow the device to be transported to and tested for contaminants at the point of use by an end user of the device. In another exemplary embodiment, a device can be coupled to a gas port on a vapor-sensor bag to allow gas within the device to be tested for contaminants. In another exemplary embodiment, gas from a device can be streamed through vapor-sensor bag by coupling the device to a first gas port on a vapor-sensor bag and allowing gas to exit the bag through a second gas port.

Abstract: Provided is a kit for asthma diagnosis comprising a strip including a base part, a first reaction part formed on the base part, and a developing membrane formed between the first reaction part and the base part, in which the first reaction part includes a monoclonal antibody expressed from a hybridoma cell line of Accession Number KCLRF-BP-00389 (Accession Date: Jan. 9, 2017, Accession Institute: Korea Cell Line Research Foundation (KCLRF)) and the second reaction part includes a monoclonal antibody expressed from a hybridoma cell line of Accession Number KCLRF-BP-00389 (Accession Date: Jan. 9, 2017, Accession Institute: Korea Cell Line Research Foundation (KCLRF)).

Abstract: Tissue dissociators configured to disrupt a biological tissue sample are provided. Aspects of the tissue dissociators according to certain embodiments include a blade holder having a blade and a sample holder that includes a tissue actuator having a distal end pliable stopper where the tissue actuator is configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis with the sample holder. Also provided are methods of dissociating a biological tissue sample with the tissue dissociators, as well as kits including the tissue dissociators.