Abstract: Embodiments provide a method of using image-based tube top circle detection based on multiple candidate selection to localize the tube top circle region in input images. According to embodiments provided herein, the multi-candidate selection enhances the robustness of tube circle detection by making use of multiple views of the same tube to improve the robustness of tube top circle detection. With multiple candidates extracted from images under different viewpoints of the same tube, the multi-candidate selection algorithm selects an optimal combination among the candidates and provides more precise measurement of tube characteristics. This information is invaluable in an IVD environment in which a sample handler is processing the tubes and moving the tubes to analyzers for testing and analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining a parameter includes forming a reaction mixture by adding a volume of a solution to a sample. The solution contains a substance acting as a reaction partner for the analyte, where the reaction partner enters into a chemical reaction with the analyte, forming a reaction product of the analyte. The volume of the solution is adjusted, based on measured values of a physical or chemical measurand which are detected during the addition of the solution in the reaction mixture and whose value depends on the concentration of the analyte or of the substance in the reaction mixture. A titration of the solution to be titrated is subsequently performed from which a quantity of the substance present in the reaction mixture after addition of the volume of the solution is determinable, and a value of the parameter is ascertained using the titration.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to real-time invoice error prevention. Embodiments include receiving a value related to an item or service during creation of an invoice by a user via a user interface, and determining a user-level mean and a user-level standard deviation related to the value based on historical invoices of the user. Embodiments include determining a global mean and a global standard deviation related to the value based on historical invoices of a plurality of users. Embodiments include selecting weights for the user-level mean, the user-level standard deviation, the global mean, and the global standard deviation based on a total number of the historical invoices of the user. Embodiments include determining an expected range for the value based on the user-level mean, the user-level standard deviation, the global mean, the global standard deviation, and the weights. Embodiments include determining that the value is outside the expected range.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for concentrating particles contained in a fluid sample comprises a substrate (11) having a surface where at least one microfluidic arrangement (M) is defined, which comprises: —a loading chamber (14), for loading the fluid sample into the at least one microfluidic arrangement (M); —a plurality of microchannels (13), which have respective inlet ends connected to the loading chamber (14); and —a covering element (12), which is substantially impermeable to the fluid sample and extends at least partially over the plurality of microchannels (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiwell electrode-based biosensor, which, by using amperometry, can have a reduced size compared to existing biosensors that use impedance measurement and, by incorporating immunoassay methods, shows sensitivity to the level of fg/ml and thus can effectively detect a target protein comprised, in blood, in an extremely small amount. Probes which are different from one another are comprised in multiple wells and thus various target proteins can simultaneously be detected by means of a single procedure.

Abstract: A liquid measurement article includes an absorbent wicking layer and a marking cluster having at least one mark whose location on the article is calibrated to correspond to a particular quantity of liquid having been deposited on the article at a liquid receiving site thereof and having wicked toward the mark. A label associated with at least one of the marks indicates the particular quantity.

Abstract: A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position to protect the sample for storage and optionally process the sample within the housing. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for sample processing, particularly for sequencing applications. Included within this disclosure are bead compositions, such as diverse libraries of beads attached to large numbers of oligonucleotides containing barcodes. Often, the beads provides herein are degradable. For example, they may contain disulfide bonds that are susceptible to reducing agents. The methods provided herein include methods of making libraries of barcoded beads as well as methods of combining the beads with a sample, such as by using a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A connecting joint for adjustably connecting at least two components of a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The connecting joint comprises a horizontal bearing unit connectable to a first component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; a vertical bearing unit connectable to a second component of the at least two components of the laboratory automation system; and a slider bar connecting the horizontal bearing unit with the vertical bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is movably mounted along a vertical axis within the vertical bearing unit; and wherein the slider bar is adjustably mounted in the horizontal bearing unit, wherein the slider bar is adjustable in at least one dimension essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis by the horizontal bearing unit.

Abstract: In a floating gate semiconductor nanostructure biosensor and a method for manufacturing the biosensor, the nanostructure biosensor includes a substrate, an insulating layer, a nanostructure, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a floating gate and a biological sensing material. The insulating layer is formed on the substrate. The nanostructure is protruded from the insulating layer. The source electrode and the drain electrode are formed on the insulating layer and dispose the nanostructure therebetween. The floating gate has a metal pattern or a polysilicon pattern, and extends with contacting the nanostructure. The biological sensing material has a first end combined with an immobile molecule on the floating gate, and a second end combined with a bio molecule.

Abstract: The arrangement for introducing a desired quantity of decontamination agent into a containment facility comprises a tank as a storage vessel for storing the decontamination agent in liquid form. A metering apparatus having a spray nozzle is directed into the containment facility so as to atomize the decontamination agent. At least one feed line from the ambient air, a compressed air connection and a control unit are provided to operate the metering apparatus. The metering apparatus has a metering container that comprises a storage chamber that has a defined volume for receiving an individual portion of decontamination agent. The storage chamber is provided so as to successively receive a number (n) of portions of decontamination agent from the tank, and the portion respectively held in the storage chamber is introduced by means of the spray nozzle into the containment facility prior to receiving a subsequent portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to molecularly-imprinted cross-linked micelles that can selectively hydrolyze carbohydrates.

Abstract: A device for reducing the size of biological tissue according to an embodiment includes a plate, and a thru-hole which penetrates the front and the rear of the plate and is defined by a plurality of edges of the plate, wherein each of the plurality of edges includes a protruding part protruding toward a center part of the thru-hole, and biological tissue may be reduced in size by being scratched and torn by the protruding parts while passing through the thru-hole.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows the sulfur component concentration in gasoline to be estimated to high precision. The measuring method of the disclosure is a method of measuring the concentration of sulfur components in gasoline that contains sulfur components and aromatic components. The measuring method of the disclosure comprises: (A1) removing a portion of the gasoline by gasification to lower the proportion of the aromatic component concentration with respect to the sulfur component concentration in the gasoline, (A2) measuring values related to the refractive index of the gasoline, and (A3) measuring the sulfur component concentration in the gasoline based on the values related to the refractive index.

Abstract: When an automatic analysis apparatus has a mechanism that performs an operation of an arcuate trajectory to access a plurality of positions arranged on a straight line, an arc and a straight line cannot coincide with each other. Thus position adjustment is required to minimize the deviation between the arc and the straight line. An automatic analysis apparatus according to the invention includes a reagent disk which accommodates a plurality of reagent bottles in each of which a plurality of suction ports are arranged along a center line, and which rotates around a central axis to transport a reagent bottle to a desired position; and a reagent dispensing mechanism which rotates around a rotation axis to suck a reagent from the reagent bottle at a predetermined suction position on the reagent disk, in which the reagent disk is provided with, at least one mounting position of the reagent bottle on the reagent disk, first and second marks sandwiching the mounting position of the reagent bottle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for managing a sleep-mode of an electronic device that includes a processor, a memory and a communication interface configured to enable communication with a sleep-client device; the electronic device being arranged to enter the sleep-mode in predetermined circumstances to reduce power consumption; the method comprising the steps of: the electronic device modifying a value of a memory location associated with the communication interface; and the sleep-client device, reading a value of the memory location associated with the communication interface prior to transmitting data to the electronic device via the communication interface; wherein the memory location is representative of the availability of the electronic device to receive data via the communication interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides sensor cells comprising a receptor that binds to an analyte indicative of the presence of an agent, where binding of the analyte to the receptor triggers a detection event that is indicative of the presence of the agent. In certain embodiments, the detection event is appearance of a reporter detectable by the naked eye. The present invention also provides uses of such sensor cells for detecting the presence of an agent in a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for aggregation of water condition at household appliances comprises a communication interface and a controller. The communication interface is configured to send a reporting message indicative of data collected by at least one appliance to a central server. The controller is configured to receive an analysis message from the central server. The analysis message indicates a condition of water from the at least one appliance or a condition of water in a geographic area associated with the at least one appliance. The controller is configured to provide an alert in response to the analysis message.

Abstract: An electrical stability testing device includes a cup configured to receive a fluid sample. The testing device also includes a pair of electrodes positioned at least partially within the cup. The electrodes are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined gap. The electrodes are configured to have the fluid sample positioned within the predetermined gap while performing an ES test on the fluid sample in the cup. The testing device also includes a wiper positioned at least partially within the cup. The wiper is configured to pass between the electrodes after the ES test has concluded. A width of the wiper is greater than the predetermined gap between the electrodes. The wiper is configured to deform as the wiper passes through the predetermined gap such that the width becomes substantially equal to the predetermined gap and sides of the wiper contact ends of the electrodes to clean the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method that use machine learning to recommend adjustments to digital documents that are included within a report managed by a software application. The system may also provide a trend analysis as part of the recommendation. In one example, the method may include detecting a request to open a digital document from a user via a user interface, populating the user interface with content from the digital document and executing a machine learning model on values within the digital document to identify a value among the values that is to be adjusted to a different value based on previous adjustments by the user to previous reports, activating a user interface element associated with the identified value within the user interface, and in response to a selection of the user interface element, instantiating a display of the different value on the user interface.

Abstract: A delivery system for a sensor chip includes a plurality of selectable ports and a two-way pump port selectively connectable to each of the selectable ports. The two-way pump port is configured to allow material to be drawn or delivered from or to the two-way pump port. The delivery system also includes a chamber and a bypass waste channel that is selectively connectable to the two-way pump port. The plurality of selectable ports includes a selectable chamber port connected to the chamber and the chamber has a chamber waste exit. Material may selectively flow through the chamber to a waste collection via the chamber waste exit or flow to the waste collection via the bypass waste channel that bypasses the chamber waste exit.

Abstract: Sensors that include carbon nanotubes, and articles that include the sensors. The sensors may include a buckypaper. The sensors may be flexible. Methods of making sensors, which may include printing an electrode on a substrate. The printing of an electrode may be achieved with an inkjet printer.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: A fluid ejection system, in an example, includes at least one nozzle of at least one die from which a fluid is ejected and at least one nanowell at which the at least one nozzle ejects an amount of fluid. A method of dispensing a fluid, in an example, includes addressing at least one nanowell with at least one nozzle of at least one die, and depositing a fluid in the nanowell with the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: Methods and devices to detect analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include positioning an analyte sensor in fluid contact with an analyte, detecting an attenuation in a signal from an analyte sensor after positioning during a predetermined time period, categorizing the detected attenuation in the analyte sensor signal based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics of the signal, performing signal processing to generate a reportable data associated with the detected analyte sensor signal during the predetermined time period, managing if and when to request additional reference signal measurements, and managing if and when to temporarily not display results.

Abstract: A computer system including sensor technology for detecting environmental pollution levels in a water source and alerting users in real-time of the environmental pollution levels within the water source is provided. The computer system may be configured to receive pollution data from at least one sensor, analyze the received pollution data, and determine a level of environmental pollution in the water source based upon the analysis. The computer system may be also configured to determine, based upon the analysis of the pollution data, whether the water source is polluted, and generate an alert including information of the polluted water source. The computer system is further configured to generate a user list including at least one user of the water source, and transmit the alert to one or more client devices associated with the at least one user to notify the at least one user that the water source is polluted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a red blood cell (RBC) solution comprising ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and methods for making and using the same. The solution can comprise EDTA at a concentration from 3-5 g/L, including 4 g/L. Well plates prepared using the solution can provide a decreased rate of false positive results in automated immunoassays for detecting RBC antibodies in a patient sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing system for providing a preset small volume of liquid ?200 ?l into a filling area of a microfluidic sample carrier comprising at least one flow channel, the system including, inter alia, at least one interface unit provided for each flow channel of the microfluidic sample carrier, with each interface unit comprising an injector with an injection channel, wherein the cross section of an outlet part of the injection channel is larger than a cross section of an inlet part of the injection channel and of the middle part of the injection channel. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a respective microfluidic sample carrier sealing system and to a respective method of dispensing sealing liquid into a microfluidic sample carrier.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extracting device includes a reagent containing unit, a mixing unit, and a flow channel unit. The reagent containing unit contains a specimen, a magnetic bead, and a reagent for extracting. The mixing unit includes a mixing chamber and a stirring assembly. The mixing chamber includes a chamber portion and a tube portion. The stirring assembly includes a main body and an extension. The main body is provided in the chamber portion. The tube portion connects the chamber portion. And the extension connects the main body and extends into the tube portion. The extension and an inner wall of the tube portion have first and second gaps therebetween respectively along first and second directions of the tube portion. The first gap is less than the second gap. The flow channel unit is connected between the reagent containing unit and the mixing unit.

Abstract: A data analysis system is provided in the invention. The data analysis system includes a storage device, a field-data-description-file generating module, and a general data readiness analysis module. The storage device stores a plurality of raw data. The field-data-description-file generating module generates the field-data-description files corresponding to the raw data. The general data readiness analysis module obtains a score of the consistency indicator of the raw data according to the field-data-description files. The general data readiness analysis module obtains the data of the category which needs to be analyzed from the raw data according to the category of each field-data-description file. The general data analysis module obtains the score of the completeness indicator, the score of the accuracy indicator, the score of the validity indicator, and the score of the compaction indicator which all correspond to the data of the category which needs to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a test sample contains a phytopathogenic fungus, which includes (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a substrate having a through hole; the substrate having a cellulose film on the back surface thereof; the through hole has a cross-sectional area of not less than 7.065 square micrometers and not more than 19.625 square micrometers; and the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 3.7 micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest after the step (a); (c) irradiating the cellulose film with ultraviolet light after the step (b); (d) bringing a back surface of the cellulose film into contact with a fungus color reaction reagent after the step (c); and (e) determining that the test sample contains the phytopathogenic fungus, if a color is given to the fungus color reaction reagent.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring a mechanical system, the mechanical system including a lubrication system provided with a reservoir containing a lubricating liquid, with a lubrication circuit designed to lubricate the mechanical system, as well as with a particle detection device arranged in the lubrication circuit. The detection device makes it possible, in particular, to count the number of particles flowing through the lubrication circuit and/or the flow rate of the particles. Comparing that number or that flow rate with a first threshold makes it possible to determine a risk of damage affecting the mechanical system and to anticipate the maintenance or reinforced monitoring operations that possibly need to be performed.

Abstract: Protective packaging, surgical kits, systems, and methods are described herein for assisting in determining whether a tool is properly installed on a surgical device. The protective packaging retains the tool and has trackable features defined relative to a tool center point of the tool. The trackable features have a predetermined state defined relative to the tool center point and the trackable features are configured to be detectable by a localizer to locate the tool center point. One or more controllers can compare the actual state of the tool center point with an expected state of the tool center point, which is based on an expected condition in which the tool is properly mounted to the surgical device. Based on the comparison, the one or more controllers can determine whether the tool is properly mounted to the surgical device.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for identifying and picking spectrally distinct colonies. In an exemplary method, a filter may be received in an optical path extending from a light source to a grayscale image detector. The filter may be configured to increase an intensity difference between a first type of colony and a spectrally distinct second type of colony. Colonies including both types may be received in the optical path. An image of the colonies may be obtained with the grayscale image detector. At least one of the types of colony may be identified in the image. One or more colonies of the at least one type may be picked robotically.

Abstract: An automatic assaying system having a multiplex pipette cartridge section in which pipette cartridges are docked. At least one pipette cartridge has a different pipetting characteristic from another corresponding pipette cartridge, the different pipetting characteristic being selectable from a number of different pipetting characteristics. A multiplexing work item holder has an array of work item holder docks that dock corresponding work item holders selectable from pipette trays and pipette tip set racks that define the selectable different pipetting characteristic. One or more of the work item holder docks are indexed to selectably multiplex both the different interchangeable pipette trays and the at least one pipette set rack. A carrier moves the pipette cartridge or a work item holder carriage and a controller selects the at least one pipette tip set rack corresponding to a work item holder dock so as to effect automatic selection of the different pipetting characteristic.

Abstract: A variety of devices and methods are provided for separating or enriching circulating tumor cells in a biological sample such as whole blood. In some aspects, the devices are multi-stage devices including at least (i) a filtering stage, (ii) a sheath flow stage for ferrohydrodynamic separation of magnetically labelled white blood cells, and (iii) a focusing stage for marker-independent and size-independent focusing of magnetically labeled particles so as to separate or enrich unlabeled rare cells in the biological sample. The devices and methods are, in some aspects, capable of high throughput in excess of 6 milliliters per hour while achieving high separation (>95%) of the unlabeled rare cells.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a charged particle beam device capable of specifying an irradiation position of light on a sample when there is no mechanism for forming an image of backscattered electrons. The charged particle beam device according to the invention determines whether an irradiation position of a primary charged particle beam and an irradiation position of light match based on a difference between a first observation image acquired when the sample is irradiated with only the primary charged particle beam and a second observation image acquired when sample is irradiated with the light in addition to the primary charged particle beam. It is determined whether the irradiation position of the primary charged particle beam and the irradiation position of the light match using the first observation image and a measurement result by a light amount measuring device.

Abstract: A method of analyzing and/or sorting selected cells or other biological components, for example for cell-based therapy, includes sampling a sample with an open end of a probe to obtain a fluid stream with the sample in it. The probe with the open end also has a fluid supply to convey fluid to the open end, and a fluid exhaust to convey the fluid stream away from the open end. The method then includes conveying the fluid stream to a flow cytometer and analyzing the fluid stream by flow cytometry; and/or separating it into at least two components. An apparatus with the probe connected to the flow cytometer may support this method. The method can provide for sampling of multiple samples efficiently, in particular to select cells for cell-based therapies.

Abstract: A detection device (10), comprising a sample detection layer (1) provided thereon with a detection reagent reacted with an analyte and a result display region (18), wherein the device further comprises a symbol display layer (2) on which an indicator (21) is processed; after the indicator contacts with a gas which can change the color of the indicator, the indicator changes from a first color to a second color.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the manipulation of species using acoustic waves such as surface acoustic waves. In some aspects, a channel such as a microfluidic channel may be provided having two or more outlets, and acoustic waves applied to species within the channel to determine which outlet the species is directed to. For instance, surface acoustic waves may be applied to a species such as a cell or a particle to deflect it from the channel into a groove or other portion that directs it to a different outlet. In some cases, surprisingly, this deflection of species may be in a different direction than the incident acoustic waves on the channel. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to kits including such systems, techniques for producing such systems, or the like.

Abstract: The automatic analysis system comprises an analysis device which introduces sample containers which have been placed at a predetermined placement location into an analysis unit to perform analysis on the samples, and a management device which has a function of transmitting identification information for a sample to said analysis device when an analysis request has been made for that sample. The analysis device comprises a sample information management unit which retains sample identification information transmitted from the management device as analysis-requested sample information and retains identification information for samples which have been analyzed by the analysis unit as analysis-completed sample information.

Abstract: A sample support is a sample support for sample ionization, including: a substrate formed with a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface; a conductive layer provided not to block the through hole in the first surface; and a reinforcement member disposed inside a part of the plurality of through holes.

Abstract: An electronic system for non-invasive monitoring of estrogen of a female human comprises a wearable device (1) and a processor (13, 30, 40). The wearable device (1) includes a first sensor system (101) configured to be worn in contact with the skin of the female human and to determine a level of perfusion of the female human. The processor (13, 30, 40) is configured to receive and store the level of perfusion of the female human from the first sensor system (101) for a respective point in time. The processor (13, 30, 40) is further configured to determine a change in the level of perfusion of the female human, using the levels of perfusion of the female human stored for a plurality of respective points in time. Furthermore, the processor (13, 30, 40) is configured to detect a change in estrogen level of the female human based on the change in the level of perfusion of the female human.

Abstract: A system and method of imaging an object uses a plasmonic layer as a sample holder defining a periodic array of sub-micron structures adjacent the object. The sample holder is exposed to a first portion of light that is transmitted through either the plasmonic layer but not the object, or the plasmonic layer and a first section of the object, and a second portion of the light that is transmitted through the plasmonic layer and at least a second section of the object. The light interacts with at least the plasmonic layer and the first portion of the transmitted light characterizes one or more first surface plasmon resonance peaks and the second portion of the transmitted light characterizes one or more second surface plasmon resonance peaks that are wavelength shifted from the first surface plasmon resonance peaks by the object affecting plasmons propagating within the plasmonic layer.

Abstract: The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract: A structure body includes a base material and a siloxane based molecular membrane formed on the base material by use of an organic compound represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2): wherein any one of R1 to R5 is an amino group, others of R1 to R5 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group, R7 to R9 are each independently any one of hydroxy group, alkoxy group, alkyl group, and phenyl group on condition that one or more of R7 to R9 are each independently a hydroxy group or an alkoxy group, and R6 is an alkyl group.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to detect disease-specific antigens assists in disease diagnosis. Point-of-care (POC) micro biochip incorporates at least one hydrophilic microchannel for controlled and self-driven flow of body fluid. Metallic nano-interdigitated electrodes disposed within the channels give enhanced sensitivity detection. Microchannel controls flow and amplifies a capillary effect. Electrodes are fabricated on microchannel surface to detect biomolecular interactions. When a sample flows through microchannel, disease-specific antigens from the sample form antigen-antibody complex with antibodies immobilized on electrodes. Antigen-antibody interaction is detected via an electrical change in the biochip's nano circuit. Each electrode may include a different antibody to detect different antigens. Capacitance during antigen-antibody interaction without microfluidic flow is higher than with microfluidic flow due to immobilized antibodies instability on sensing surface caused by shear stress.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a gold cluster or a gold cluster-containing substance in the preparation of a drug for preventing and/or treating glaucoma.

Abstract: Provided is a blood glucose measurement device and method. The blood glucose measurement device may determine a blood glucose unit to be provided to a user based on a user input and a region in which the device is positioned, and provide blood glucose data to the user using the determined blood glucose unit through a display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and systems for buffer exchange may be automated and/or the methods and systems may include mixing during filtering operations.